I didn't get a Generac, I got a Coleman that looks just like it. I would recommend that whatever you get, get one with a Honda engine. I had one with a B&S, and had nothing but trouble with it.
3 years ago my 10KW unit with transfer switch cost about $3500 + electrical hookup of about $400. The propane company hooked up their line for free as part of the tank installation.
Then the company that couldn't repair my generator let me upgrade to the 11KW Honda engined one for another $500. I should state that I had my house wired with the installation of a generator in mind, so the electrical hookup was pretty simple.
In my humble opinion it would be worth the piece of mind no matter what the cost. And $6K doesn't sound that bad compared to what I have and the inflation since 2002.
One more thing, check with FEMA, they may cover some or all of the expense if you get it while your power is still out. I got $200 from them after our area was declared a disaster area after the ice storm last winter. That was for fuel for the chainsaw and generator. If I would have had to buy those items during the blackout, I would have recouped almost all of my expenses.
Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif