So to answer the original question . Go there and start it up and look at the oil .  If the case is not beat up and he has the original sales receipt then he is probably on the level . I've seen those thing purring like a kitten after being tossed in PU's and left outside . 
       If the price is 1/2 to 3/4 of retail less tax you probably can not go wrong .
       While I use a 1200 watt pure sine inverter and 2 batteries I still have a Kawasaki 1000 Watt generator as a back up . 
        Good luck and let us know how it turns out .

                        Stacy

         

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 4, 2013, at 7:18 AM, Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> This is a CYOC (camp your own camp) thing. My version of camping is to
> be entirely self-contained and able to stay comfortable for at least two
> weeks in one site without needing to re-supply. I've sized my electrical
> needs so two 55W solar panels are adequate. But I'm fortunate in that I
> camp where the humidity is usually low so even 100 degree (F) days are
> not uncomfortable. I reckon that if I lived in the southeast United
> States then I'd be a different kind of camper and probably use a
> different rig, one with A/C, and likely camp in those crowded
> "campgrounds" that have hookups.
> 
> Then I'd have to shoot myself.
> 
> Of course I don't mind if someone chooses to set up a construction
> generator beside their Class-C and play whatever kind of yahoo music
> they like at loud volumes -- as long as it doesn't intrude on my
> experience. There are plenty of "party" campgrounds for that, many along
> the shores of lakes or reservoirs where power boats are permitted.
> 
> But in the outback, one should be respectful of nearby campers'
> expectation that they will have a nice wilderness experience without
> anthropogenic noise.
> 
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.
> 
>> On 11/03/2013 09:38 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>> The little Honda generators are great machines. If low hours and well
>> maintained I wouldn't hesitate to by one used. The 2000 is the way to go if
>> you are considering using it to run an AC. However I am still of the mind
>> asset needing AC especially off grid is one of the signs your outgrowing the
>> Westy or Vanagon for camping.  First comes the portable AC to move and
>> store. Then you add the generator. If planning multi-day trips next you need
>> to carry fuel or a tap off your van's tank to get fuel when the genny needs
>> it.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>> Harry Hoffman
>> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2013 7:22 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: NVC (well, slightly VC): Questions about buying used
>> generator/invertor
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> So, with all of the electronics upgrades I thought I'd research the cost of
>> buying a generator/inverter that I could use to power stuff and maybe a
>> small window a/c in the summer months so that the wife and kids will come
>> along.
>> 
>> I believe that the Honda EU 2000i seems like the perfect one for a vanagon.
>> It's the right blend of power, and quiet.
>> 
>> http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu2000i
>> 
>> These seem to retail for anywhere from $999 - $1099.
>> 
>> I've found a used one that the guy claims was barely run as it was a backup
>> and he's got the paperwork showing when it was bought.
>> 
>> I'm writing to solicit any advice for buying one  of these used.
>> Obviously I plan to run it first. But aside from obvious smoking, oil leaks,
>> odd sounds is there any good ways to ensure I'm getting a good deal?
>> 
>> Cheers,
>> Harry
>>