Boy I am glad to see that I was not the only one who has had issues with the STX, They finally got my old trade in moved, new owner has already called once wondering about it. And yes I would say I spent enough on oil and hoses no longer than I owned mine. The hoses sure looked cracked on the outside like they used alot of old surplus hose or something when they made it, it was definitely aged... if you know what I mean.