I think you are confusing inflation adjustment with value holding.
I can only compare it to my John Deere tractor/backhoe.
Bought it in Nebraska for $8k. Used semi-commercially and for my new house excavation for 8 years only to sell in California for $12k.
I consider $150 generator as a very good option when I don't need AC and extreme convenience of having small size that I can take anywhere, anytime.
Sure it takes 3 pulls to start, when my 12 years old Honda starts on 1st 90% of the time, but I bought my new Honda EU3000 new for $900. How much are they today?
