About year 2006, I bought an ETQ 1200 watt generator on Ebay. It was about $130 including shipping. I used it a couple times for a friend's power cut. Worked fine, to run an old furnace, with the big belt driven blower.
By now, it's got maybe 20 to 30 hours run time on it. I've not kept track. And now it's got a nasty knock. I had a friend listen, and he says it sounds like the piston rod is coming loose. I contacted some folks, and have a two cycle mechanic going to get back in contact with me in a day or two. Diagnosis, and estimate on repair.
I can get similar one on sale for 109.