After doing lots & lots of research this is the best bang for the "Durable Buck" pressure washer I could find:

Northstar High Performance Series Pressure Washer — 2700 PSI, 2.5 GPM

Dependable 6 HP Honda GC190 engine
Direct drive Comet axial pump with ceramic plungers for longer life
Big 10in. pneumatic tires
25ft. gray non–marking quick–couple steel–braided hose
A popular and economical choice designed for home use. Includes thermal protection. High–quality Comet pump made of brass and stainless steel has easy start. Comes with professional quick–couple 25° high–pressure spray nozzle and detergent nozzle, downstream chemical injector and low profile pull up handle. 2–year limited warranty.

See below for additional product information

In Stock
Ship Wt. 83.0 lbs
Item# 1577542
Discount Price $449.99
110% Guaranteed Lowest Price!

http://www.NorthernTool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200241274&R=200241274

This unit is heavy duty, puts out great pressure & flow (2700 x 2.5 = 6750 CP). The pump is very serviceable (not German or Italian) with a sight glass to monitor oil level and you get a decent quality Honda engine. It does'nt have pretty colors or fancy plastic accesory trays and it gets the job done.

If you talk to the Manager and show them a comparable unit from Lowes or Home Depot for less they usually give you 10% off to make the sale.

THanks for the post OP. I'm in the market for one, and have hoped to see some discussion on these. -Anyone ever tried the higher-end electrics for light-duty use?

sandsurfer said:Man, I was just saying the other day how Fatwallet should have an 'official pressure washer' thread. Thanks OP!


You beat me to it. This is a great idea. What is next? Sandblaster...

Anyone have any experience with the two below? I sure wish they
would run a sale on them. Price has not moved...............
I am considering either one of these:

LOWES:
$398.00
Troy-Bilt® 2600 PSI Gas Powered Pressure Washer Model # 020241
2.5 GPM
5 HP Honda GC OHC Engine: easy starting, fuel efficient
4 Quick connect spray tips
Easy Start™ pump technology
Stainless steel spray wand
25' High-Pressure Hose
1 Year Limited Warranty

----------------------- OR --------------------------
Home Depot:
$388.00
Excell
5 HP Honda Engine 2600 PSI Pressure Washer Model 165328

Brand Excell
Manufacturer DeVilbiss Air Power Company
Model # 165328
EXPO IN STORE N
Engine Make Honda
Engine Size 5 HP
MFG Name DeVilbiss Air Power Company
PSI 2600

/B]

Keep your eyes open for open-box 6HP 2500PSI Excell pressure washers at Home Depot. I bought one that was essentially brand new for $202 after I used my 10% Lowes coupon. It does a heck of a job with the concrete in my backyard. I'm very happy with it.

My Home Depot (Turnersville/Sicklerville NJ) had at least 6 of these open box.

The heart of any pressure washer is the pump not the engine!

The consumer is blind to this so most manufactures like TROYBILT will advertise the HONDA engine, but fail to tell you about the cheap FAIP pump they use.

Your best bet is to contact a repair shop and ask them about pumps. They will have two recommendations: CAT & COMET.

I originally purchased the pressure at Sam's for $299.

Specs:
5.5 HP Honda Engine
2500 PSI
2.2 GPM

Link

After returning 3 of them for pump related oil leaks & failures I did the research and thus my recommendation.

Never put a pressure washer in your pants.... word to the wise...

LOL~!

Canucklehead said:Never put a pressure washer in your pants.... word to the wise...

LarryS said:Keep your eyes open for open-box 6HP 2500PSI Excell pressure washers at Home Depot. I bought one that was essentially brand new for $202 after I used my 10% Lowes coupon. It does a heck of a job with the concrete in my backyard. I'm very happy with it.

My Home Depot (Turnersville/Sicklerville NJ) had at least 6 of these open box.


Were these pressure washers the ones they previously rented out to customers?
Also, why were there so many open boxes of these? I never see any of them
at my local HD.

YankeeRedneck said:LarryS said:Keep your eyes open for open-box 6HP 2500PSI Excell pressure washers at Home Depot. I bought one that was essentially brand new for $202 after I used my 10% Lowes coupon. It does a heck of a job with the concrete in my backyard. I'm very happy with it.

My Home Depot (Turnersville/Sicklerville NJ) had at least 6 of these open box.


Were these pressure washers the ones they previously rented out to customers?
Also, why were there so many open boxes of these? I never see any of them
at my local HD.

They were definitely not rentals.. they looked brand new. No idea why there were so many of them.