I'm sure you already know this, but you know that if you bought the PW from Costco, you could take it back at any time right? I've heard about the poor reliability issues from the cheaper electrics, but I don't have the dough to pony up for those expensive electrics, neither do I want to deal with the upkeep and constant noise of a gas powered one. I decided to get the new Karcher 5.85 unit that they're selling at Costco at the moment. Unlike the other home electric units, this one has an aluminum pump so it "should" last just a bit longer than the others. I'm not expecting it to last forever, but that's where Costco's return policy comes into play.
KARCHER USA