Actually since fewer people use diesel its the last to run out,so has my experience been.Though some stations dont carry it at all,know your own situation in that event,we have ONE on mtn with diesel within any reasonable neighborly distance.

OP answered his own questions well IMO.

Comments on 2000I honda spot on,great genny,other name brands with same inverter tech that use fuel related to load,honda can run up to 13 hours on one gallon in economy mode,low output.

Im just a genny guy,think its a thousand or less for a techy model that sips fuel and is quiet,a worthwhile investment IMO.

And yes,unless your appliances heavy load like electric range,or a well pump....you can pretty much keep the home running with one by rotating the items to genny.