I agree with bubblerboy64 that the W31 is the better value. I've owned a Bauer Utilus that was like new and I currently own an Alkin W31 which is very similar in size and specifications.
A Jr II and an Alkin W32 are both excellent compressors. If you found a used Bauer Jr. II that was less than 10 years old, lightly used and cost $2500 or less, buy it. Craigslist in Florida or Ebay are good places to shop. Don't buy a used Bauer from Asia. If it has an issue you will pay an exhorbitant amount to ship it back for refund.
The advantages for the Bauer Jr. II are: 1. It weighs around 100 pounds vs. 145 for the Alkin 2. It is the best reputation air compressor brand in the world and has a more extensive dealer network than any compressor sold in the U.S. 3. It has an excellent track record of durability and resale value. Now for the cons on the Bauer Junior II. The Junior II retails for $4400 or more depending on the vendor. It doesn't even include an on/off switch box or connecting wire. It doesn't include an hour meter. It doesn't include a repackable filter cartridge. Add all of these necessary components and the cost approaches $5,000.
The Alkin advantages are as follows 1. The Alkin company has been manufacturing reliable compressors for at least 25 years so it's time tested 2. The W31 is equivalent in features and construction to the Bauer Utilus series that retails for $6500 or more depending on the vendor. 3. The Alkin is much heavier duty than the Jr II with intercoolers for each stage, a repackable desiccant filter cartridge, an hour meter, on/off switch box, 8' cord, and the vertical model has a small footprint and wheels for one person portability. The disadvantage of the Alkin is that it's bigger, heavier, and has fewer servicing dealers around the U.S. than Bauer Jr.II. However, it is built for commercial continuous duty whereas the Jr II is built for single tank fills.
Both of these compressors are ultra reliable and durable and surpass the requirements that a single user will ever subject it to. If you want prestige and knowing you own the best at a premium for the brand name, buy the Bauer. If you want the best bang for your buck with no worries, get the Alkin. I'll use a car analogy. The Bauer is a Mercedes, the Alkin is a Lexus. Both are first class compressors.
The Coltri MCH-6 is also a worthy compressor for your consideration as it can usually be found for $2795 and is built to be a Junior II competitor for considerably less money. I opted for the Alkin and feel that it is a better choice even though it costs a few hundred more than the Coltri. To me, the Bauer, the Alkin, and the Coltri are the 3 companies to consider if you want a buy once, cry once dependable compressor.
