We've had 2 Honda 2000i generators (and parallel cord) for many years and they haven't been really worked out since Katrina in 2005 (for 2 weeks continously then), using ethanol free boat gas. I've had many generators at half the cost, and, inevitably, at half the quality, and noisey and smokey to boot. If it were possible to build a Honda 2000i unit at a cheaper price, then Honda would be the first to do so. Capitalism (which Honda is very good at) does not involve selling an equivalent product at a much higher price. It's about selling a far superior product at a fair price. Ask Apple. It's very easy to find Honda generator fans, and almost impossible to find hard-core fans of any of the multiple Chinese knock-offs. As in so many cases, I've found (through hard, tough, expensive experience) that It Pays In the Long Run to Buy Quality the First Time. Your Milage May Vary. See the Consumer Reports 2016 Generators ratings for ratings more objective than mine. Buy the Honda; with reasonable maintaince and ethanol free gas, your grandchildren will be using it.
Regarding Deals, Flir just came out with a TK day/night thermal imaging model for $600. Will some Brat beat me to it and say it's worth it? Please?
John