A new small, stand alone generator for black-outs shouldn't cost more than $100/kw. I bought a used 3.5kw Champion (they call it a 4000) and have used it for several years the same way you describe. A new one that size at home depot is about $300.
First thing to do is look at your needs - make a list.
Second is to decide where you can place it so that the noise doesn't bother you (even the honda will be a problem). There are instructions for easy to build enclosures available on the internet. We just put ours in the detached garage, which is only a few feet from the house.
Third, consider what you want to plug in and where it is locate; then look at how many outlets are available on the generator and their capacity. With a hard copy schematic of that in hand, go shopping for high quality specialty power cords. DONT SCRIMP.
Have the cords stored in an easily accessible fashion. I'm old enough to know I forget things I seldom use, so I keep a couple of copies of the cord diagram in handy places for reference.
If you want some excess capacity just to be comfortable, go to the 4.5KW. However, remember that fuel consumption is related to size so don't go extra large for no reason.
I run the refrigerator, telephone, computers, router and internet, two CFL lights and the TV w/satellite box.
I would require a larger generator if I wanted to run my well pump, but we decided to put in a separate smaller well with a hand pump.
Emergency heat is a 12K btu kerosene heater.
Preventive mx consists of starting the generator once every 2 months and using gasoline to which we've added a preservative treatment. Also recommend a small siphon pump that will fit into the gas tank of your auto.
Don't forget the fuel preservative or it will gum up the carb on the generator - a real pain in the ***.
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