Kohler Generator, suggestion needed

chetwang2001

Hello Board, need some advice!  I have a Kohler Gas Generator (20RESA).   It is about 8 years old, has 1200 hours of light use (only ran regularly to make sure it works).  It has also been professionally maintained by a local energy company yearly.  About a week back, we noticed the generator wasn't coming on and called up the maintenance company for support.   The technician came to the house and explained there was a LOW L1-L2 output error, the engine has blown up and a new generator is needed.   

Beside a bit annoyed that the same company has maintained the generator yearly for 7 years and they never said anything was wrong, we also realized the warranty on the generator is over (5 years or 2000 hours).   I have three questions:
1) Does those generators only last 8 to 10 years?   We keep hearing folks said it would run 20+ years.
2) Is there any options with Kohler?  I plan to call their support line, but anyone has similar experience?
3) Any other options you could recommend?

Thanks so much in advance for the support.