I have a 3000is. Love the Honda machines for dependability and noise. You get what you pay for. As far as the fuel, I use non-oxy fuel and I treat every tank with Seafoam. I had problem with mine in second year and dealer suggested running Seafoam and then check back if I still had problems. I am in year 6 and other than changing the oil I've not done anything to it. I am considering adding a kit so that I can use propane for my extended run and get rid of the plastic bomb in the back of my truck (gas can).