I go to the used vaccum stores and buy overhauled Hoovers. I've had 3 or 4 and they have all worked for 5-7 years for a reasonable price, if you don't want to spring for a bunch of $$$$. We bought the Animal and had it about 2 years and it went kaput! Also since it has a heppa filter you can't use carpet powder cause it stops up the filter.