Buying Used Generator

 I am in the process of buying a generator to use at an off grid
cabin.  It will be used for lots of things, but for short periods of
time (weekends etc), and in conjunction with propane and solar.  My
uncle has a used generator he bought for Y2K, that he used once when
the power went out, and runs about once a year to see how it's doing.
So basically it's been sitting in his garage for 7 years.  It is a
Generac 5500XL Portable Generator. Model # 9885-3 (5500 Watt AC
Generator).  It seems like a good option, he's asking $800 (Cnd) for
it.  Any thoughts on whether or not this is a good decision?

  Genny wrote:

(horribly overpriced) !!!

you can buy a brand new Honda engine equipped 5.5 - 7 kW generator (at
Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco) for less than that and have a full warranty
with it.

the proper price would be $100 or less

 

I'd say your uncle is not very generous.  Shop around.  I'm sure you can get
a much better deal.  I bought a 5000 watt UST Chinese generator from an auto
parts store for under $400 and it works just fine.  I recommend you only buy
one with an OHV (overhead valve) engine or at least an OHC (overhead cam)
engine).  Don't get one with a lawnmower type engine.  Personally I would
not buy anything with a Tecumseh or Briggs engine.  Make sure it has low oil
shutdown and watch out for any flimsly, chincy parts that might break
easily.  A big gas tank is nice.  Buy it from a place where you can return
it if you don't like it.  It should start with one or two pulls.

 

 One-man's "cabin"  .. is another man's mansion.
I would think that 5000 watts is huge - for a cabin.
They drink a lot of gas ; make a lot of noise ;  etc
 $ 800  Canadian sounds like a so-so price -
not a great price at all.
 jt

 

yea .. they are also pretty loud.  I'd consider an EU2000 Honda if you can
live with 2k watts.  It throttles down to meet the load and is pretty dang
quiet