i have a 2002 sohc which dropped a valve seat and destroyed the head and cyclinder wall. I'm not sure if i should buy a used or rebuilt, having a hard time finding parts. Any suggestions?

replace the motor, you don't know if the shredded up seat ended up entering other cylinders through the intake.. I've seen a SOHC drop a seat, the piston Munch's it up and the pieces enter other cylinders munching them up...

if you do end up replacing the motor and even if you don't, remove the intake and blow it out with compressed air or wash it out ( make sure the intake is fully dry before re installation there may be peices left over in there that may renter the motor destroying it