Had a Miele that lasted 15 years.

Check Oreck that may be in your price range. I have 2 of the 8 pound uprights. The first is at least 10 years old and no issues except the occasional belt which I changed myself and I'm not the least bit handy. They have some new models but last year they sent me a deal on the old uprights and now I have one on each floor. Good luck.

I have a two Oreck household too, one at each end of the house. I have an Oreck Magnesium that I love, and an Oreck XL that I love but not as much. The XL doesn't work as smoothly or effortlessly on the berber carpet in my office, or the runners in the hallway outside the office as the Magnesium does ;0) I wore out an original XL at about 16 years old - the Oreck shop took it as trade in against the Magnesium.

I've had a Kenmore Progressive (beltless) for about 10 years and looking to replace it soon with another one. It's not advertised as self propelled but it DOES pull it's self. The one i'm getting is $249. It's silver. I think it's called "ultimate"??

10 years is a long time no Monica! I'll check it out. I've been reading about the orecks with negative reviews, some quality control issues. I still haven't made a decision.

I have a 6 month old Miele C3 something. I am not crazy about it, I do not think it does as good a job as my 15 year old purple dyson animal upright.

The vac store may also have gently used/refurbished models btw and since they do repairs they may offer a warranty as good as what you would get with a new one.

I have a Panasonic that is going on 15 years old (purchased from a vacuum shop) and I have been very pleased with it, even though model was one of the lower end. It uses bags, but picks up the dog and cat fur well. I recently was given a used Dyson DC14 -- after changing the filters and thoroughly cleaning it, it works well also but no better than the Panasonic IMO.

I've always heard that Electrolux and Kirby are among the best..

(ETA: saw Electrolux on sale on the web for $245)

I have a Panasonic canister now -- it's so noisy compared to my Miele. But I'm retired, and couldn't afford another Miele. The Panasonic works find, but it's very heavy.

I have a 15 ish year old kenmore progressive cannister which is wonderful but cumbersome. I also have a very old upright Oreck which is on its last leg (it wasn't used too heavily as I never thought it was all that). From what I read and hear, most people who get Shark really are pleased with them. For some reason, Consumer Reports never reflects positively on the brand but I would say if I were going to replace a vacuum that would be the front runner for me at this point.

We have had our vac shop for over thirty years now. My hubby does all repairs and recommends the Hoover Wind Tunnel with bags, as one of the best. We are not even a Hoover Dealer.

Thanks! After exhaustive research I'm considering a carpet pro cpu 1, it's commercial grade, good reviews. Has anyone owned one? Rnbws, have you heard of this brand?