I purchased two of these vacuums as Christmas gifts for my sons. Both of them say that they are excellent vacuums and use them regularly. They work well and are standing up to the stress and strain of owning cats and dogs and living on a farm - and it has been quite muddy this season. They do recommend this product and are quite pleased with the performance of the vacuums. They are being used hard and have caused no problems at this point so I don't expect them to do so. I wish I had bought myself one, too.