A couple of years ago, I purchased a Simpson MSV 3100 at Sam's that had an amazing Honda GSV 190 engine. When it failed, we decided to buy a replacement and to have the MSV 3100 repaired as a back-up.
We then purchased the Simpson Mega Shot 3100 at Sam's. After using it for one day, it vibrated so bad (most likely an adjustment) it would shake your eye-teeth out. So, we returned it to Sam's. We had considered the Simpson Power Shot 3200, but Sam's was out of stock and everyone else was selling the same unit for over $800.
We then purchased a Troy Bilt pressure washer from Lowe's with similar specs as the 3100 and the same Honda motor for $399. Not a bad unit, but it comes with a .25 gal fuel tank, which will last about 40 minutes, you can't fill the fuel tank (poor design) with anything other than an one or maybe two gallon fuel can, the 30 ft hose must have been the cheapest thing they could find and cheap, plastic wheels...guess what...it also went back.
I then checked back on-line and Sam's was showing the Simpson Power Shot 3200 back in stock for online purchases. (Point being, if you want this unit and Sam's shows it's available online, don't hesitate, buy it. The day after I purchased mine, Sam's was out of stock again.)
I now own this Simpson Power Shot 3200. WOW, what a difference! I now understand why the prices jump up so much when considering a 3100 psi unit @ 2.5 gpm vs. a 3200 psi unit w/2.8 gpm. The difference is simply amazing. This monster cut my cleaning time (for concrete) by at least half...and more like 2/3.
Bottom line, if you need a serious unit, this by far is the most bang for the buck. After using it for the first time today AND using it's predecessors, I would have gladly paid $200 more for this unit.
Please note: The instructions clearly state you must have a water supply that can supply 5 gallons of water per minute. You need to apply that math with this unit. When I first hooked it up to the hose and tested it, it "burped" after a minute or so. I then cracked open the manual, read the water psi and gallon per minute (gpm) requirements, found a spigot that put out 5 gpm and the unit preformed flawlessly. Also, a longer hose will greatly diminish water pressure...just grab a 5 gallon bucket and see if you can fill it up in 60 seconds before you connect it to your unit.
Again, this is by far the BEST pressure washer for the $$$.
Also, purchase the service agreement for this unit, it's stupid cheap from Sam's and the Simpson's customer service leaves a lot to be desired, especially during this time of year.
Cheers!
Jeff & Catherine