35 years ago I was employed at an electrical wholesaler, and employees got all products for 10% over cost. My husband and I were doing some major work to 'This Old House' so we bought and he installed a Nutone central vac. I shouldn't say this (it might jinx me)but it still works, though we have gotten a new hose and new beater attachment a few years ago.
We even placed an outlet on the covered back porch to use it on the vehicles.
I suppose it has lasted as long as it has because we don't use it as much as other people would. It's vented to the outside, so the neighbors know when I'm using it. I guess that means they know when I'm not too LOL