Unfortunately I bought a 5KW Coleman El Cheapo with a Tecumseh engine back during the Y2K debacle because of the lower price, and the engine has been nothing but trouble since the day I brought it home. I have spent almost enough on repairs to make up the price differential between it and a better unit. It's still very hard to start and doesn't run at a constant speed, which is important for a generator engine. Whatever you buy, make sure it isn't powered by a Tecumseh engine.
"Get a Honda like I wish I had gotten. A man who runs a roadside fruit and vegetable stand near my daughter's home uses a small Honda to power his stand that is so quiet you can barely hear it running if you're standing 25-30 feet away. He first bought a Coleman because it had the lowest price he could find, but after a couple of days he took it back and traded it in on the Honda. Also, people who have had Hondas for a long time say they last practically forever. The down side is the initial cost. Hondas aren't cheap in the short run, but they will outlast at least two El Cheapos.
Unfortunately I bought a 5KW Coleman El Cheapo with a Tecumseh engine back during the Y2K debacle because of the lower price, and the engine has been nothing but trouble since the day I brought it home. I have spent almost enough on repairs to make up the price differential between it and a better unit. It's still very hard to start and doesn't run at a constant speed, which is important for a generator engine. Whatever you buy, make sure it isn't powered by a Tecumseh engine."
That sure is good to know. It's better to pay more than be sorry later.