[DonC]

Scott:
Any piece of equipment can fail. Even the most expensive and best built pump of either type can fail. A fact of life.
There are those that swear by mechanical and those that swear by electrics it's a matter of choice.
The key is to get the best quality pump of whichever type you can find and go with it. Check it periodically and perform any recommended maintenance on it and you have as good a chance as anyone of a long and happy relationship.
DonC