In Platinum I was tempted. There were Houndour in the wild! (I chose Chimchar)
I always use the starter until the end, though, because of roleplaying reasons. I admit Typhlosion isn't all that useful, but it did help somewhat.
Starting with Gen III, I not only use my starter, but also I only choose the Fire starter, because it's my favourite out of the choices you're given. Haven't played Gen V yet but it seems I'll repeat tradition (even if Emboar looks weird...).