Should I buy a used generator or purchase new?

I recently weighed in new and used Honda generators against some Chinese competitors. Turns out most of the small engines from China actually use knock-off designs from Honda's previous generation (same deal with scooters). The materials quality might or might not be up to par, but they're essentially Honda designs.

I opted for a WEN SuperQuiet w, which I snagged for around $350, which was basically equivalent to a unit from Honda for $. With how infrequently it's used, I would not expect wear and tear to cause its demise. I filled it with full synthetic 10w30 (the manual says this is ok but to watch the oil level in colder temperatures, or to otherwise use a 30 weight), and let it run for around an hour every 2 months. I put new gas in it yearly, with some stabilizer, and when done running it I use the fuel shutoff and run it until the carb is dry before putting it back in storage. So far it starts every time on the first or second pull, it's quiet, and I have not seen it burn any oil.

I sincerely wanted the Honda, but everything I've read suggests the WEN is a perfectly suitable alternative. It's a hair less efficient, a hair less quiet, but it otherwise performs the job exactly as well, and for my use-case it's superior because I have an extra $800 in the bank.

Now, the base model Harbor Freight generators I would avoid. They're plagued with inverter issues, even if the engines seem to last.

Hope this helps.

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