I recently had a salesman over to discuss a replacement for my boiler. I have a 20 y/o Ford Corp oil fired boiler that is still working, but according to the sales rep, is a total piece of junk - of course, consider the source. Anyway, I'm sure that I'll need to replace it some time in the near to medium future. The salesman didn't ask me the questions that I'd think he'd need answers to in order to suggest the appropriate equipment. He didn't ask how big the house is (although he could see it was small), didn't ask about my family's hot water consumption habits, or expanding family plans. Didn't ask how long I plan on staying in the house, no heat loss evaluation of the home, etc. Instead, he told me that I must get a 3 pass system and gave me three choices; WM Ultra, Crane Freeport, and Buderus G215 and that the cost would be @ $7200 installed. Should I be concerned that he didn't ask all those questions? Is a 3 pass system a "must"? Is $7200 reasonable? How much is the equipment (heat exchange, burner, controls, tank, etc.) Thanks for any help.

As I've mentioned in other threads, I'm in the market for a new oil-fired boiler and really have no idea whats good and whats not. Salesman has given me three to choose from - Weil Mclain Ultra, Crane Freeport CT and Buderus G215. Are there any others that I should be looking at? What about Peerless Pinnacle, for example? How does that compare in performance and price? Can/should I mix and match components from different manufacturers, or should I buy the complete package from a single manufacturer?