I've following with interest this thread since I have also been in the market for a new vacuum cleaner.
So many of you liked the Dyson, I bought one on E Bay. It was very reasonable--$219.00 to be exact---no sales tax and no shipping.
The seller refurbishes Dyson vaccums that have been returned. The vauccums are all stripped down, cleaned out, any new parts are replaced. It comes with a six month limited warrranty against original defects in materials and workmanship I received all the paperwork, too. The machine looks NEW and it works GREAT. (Of course, I have to admit I was comparing it to a Eureka which has been less than satisfactory.) He sells other Vaccums as well not only Dysons.
Mine is a pretty purple color, too, and boy did it pick up the dog hair. We have two black Labs that shed ALOT!
Anyway, I was happy and you might want to check out their auctions:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/ABC-Vacu...__W0QQ_armrsZ1