Changing my mind on water heater

[Ludington]

I was set on buying a marathon heater for roughly 1500. Then started reading some bad reviews about the connections leaking and how the connectors are only being held by a thin piece of copper.
Since my water likes to eat copper, I don't think so.
This sent me back to our esteemed pros recommending to just get the low end units for 5-600 .
I believe this is now my route... but which brand ? Ream, ao Smith?
Do yall have a preference? And warranty level ? 6 year, 10, 12 ?
Thanks

 

[sarg]

My last two have been Rheem and I've been pondering just buying another to have it on hand.

 

[Ludington]

I wish maytag still made them.

 

[Twowaxhack]

If just by the basic Rheem 6yr heater and run it until it fails. I do the same with truck tires, basic tires and run them till they’re slick.

 

[Ludington]

If just by the basic Rheem 6yr heater and run it until it fails. I do the same with truck tires, basic tires and run them till they’re slick.

Yup, that's what I'm looking at, might bump it one step to get the self cleaning , which I'm assuming is the bent fill pipe so it swirls, and the brass hose bib.