Hydrostatic or Select Drive Transmission?

[slowr1der]

I need a new mower. My current Honda is 25+ years old and has been exceptional. I want to get one before they are no longer available, but I'm having trouble deciding between the HRX217HYA with the hydrostatic transmission or the HRX217VYA with the select drive transmission. My main concern is durability. Seeing reports about people having failures with the hydrostatic at 5-7 years has me a bit concerned. Which is preferred between these two? What's the average lifespan of the hydrostatic generally like?

 

[Pars]

My HRM215 with hydrostatic has never given me a problem, and I bought this new in '99, so 24 years old. Not sure if the newer ones are more problematic.