Lugnutz,
Just my opinion, of course, but for general automotive and household use I wouldn't buy anything smaller than what I own. I have a 6.0 HP gas unit rated at 2 GPM and 2100 psi. I use a 5/8" garden hose with it, but a larger unit would probably need a 3/4" hose to feed it.
My next one is probably going to be more powerful. Again my opinion, but the electric ones are useless except for small jobs.
Dave Evans
52_3100