Generator question

OK, so we are "looking" for a generator. Not an immediate need, but would be nice to have for some local shows we hit and just in case we loose electricity at home. I have been watching Craigs List, and many come through, but I am clueless as to the "right deal for the money" sort of thing. For instance, just today there was a Coleman 10HP Powermate, 6500 surge and 5000 continual watts, with a 220 volt plug and 4 110 plugs, all for $525. Is that a good deal? What is the life span for these things? What does someone need to watch for when buying a used generator..

Thanks for any help!

That size generator is about right its the size i have and runs a blower no problem,as far as price i paid 599( canadian funds)brand new,so if the one ur looking at is used i would keep looking.

Is that size big enough to run a double blower and possibly clippers?

I sell a couple different lines of generators, Generac and Tsurumi. A 5-6 thousand watt should be enough power to run everything at the show and a few mandatory items during a power loss. As far as price, the Tsurumi I sell is the best on the market, Honda engine, a generator that will take some serious abuse and keep on ticking year after year, but also about $1,600 new. Generac on the other hand is getting some good pub for there portable generators, we don't rent this brand, but do sell them and everyone seems to be very happy with it's performance, and you can get ahold of a 5500 watt for $700 new.

If buying used, be sure you get something with Honda engine. JMO