Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

We listened to most of the reviewers here ordering this washer a week ago and I was hopefully optimistic we'd be spraying away to our hearts content over the Holiday. Sadly the ground fault interrupter plug didn't work on our AR Power Washer, so we couldn't really try it out. Additionally, the quick release coupling joining our hose to the pressure washer is made of the CHEAPEST POSSIBLE PLASTIC. One side is actually threaded for a pipe fitting rather than a hose. It immediately stripped when we tried making it work on the hose. As others have already stated, that problem is solved by going to your local hardware, replacing it with a brass quick connect. For us that was 3 fittings at $5 each. Does anyone else out there think spending $150-$180 on this washer is enough to expect a good quality brass fitting --that actually "fits"-- to be included?? Nevertheless, I was preconditioned to buying brass fittings to begin with based on other reviewers. Unfortunately, our problems continued. Apparently the "ground fault interrupter" built in to the plug was kaput-- it kept popping its little breaker no matter what we did or where it was plugged in. Based on that we decided it was best to pack it all back up (an arduous & disappointing task) and ship it back to Amazon. Thankfully, Amazon's return policy on merchandise coming from their distribution center is outstanding. Two hours after the fiasco started we dropped our AR Power Washer off at UPS, returning it prepaid by Amazon. Then we migrated on to pick out a replacement at Home Depot. OTHER THOUGHTS: After we purchased and unpacked a Homelite pressure washer replacement from the Depot, I noticed a few more things I pass on for you to for consideration. The AR really feels like a pile of cheap plastic next to a similar Homelite model. -The wheels are plastic (Homelites are rubber), -the frame is plastic (Homelite's is tubular steel), -The fittings are almost all plastic (Homelite's are brass), -the hose is lighter gauge (Homelite's is much better nylon), -The hose reel is useless (Homelite had a functional velcro tie strap) -the spray gun is flimsier than the Homelite as well -The electrical switches and plugs are less sturdy than the Homelite. It was immediately clear to me as soon as we opened the box that the Homelite (at a similar price) was much, much more solidly constructed. Finally, I'd just like to say our new replacement worked out of the box with no monkeying around at the hardware store. So, my advice. Do not buy this model AR Power Washer. And if you're reading this Amazon, I'd start carrying the Homelite (or similar) product line instead of AR if you want to cut back on the returns. I have to say something I rarely do-- the AR is junk. I am NOT saying this Homelite (the Homelite Electric 1700 PSI HyrdoSurge Pressure Washer) is fabulous or anything, I'm just saying in comparison, it is much better constructed. It seems to work fairly well on our deck etc so far, so we're happy.