We bought this machine in 1996 and it worked like a faithful friend. This is living with 5 kids, 3 dogs, and a nasty cat. These people and animals were slobs! The machine always worked. It is cumbersome to empty and splashy gross. The spongy filter on the dirty water is disgusting. It does not slide across the floor so it can actually tip over when you give it a tug. It is almost impossible to store neatly because the hose is like a wild snake possessed of the devil. It still gets 5 stars. Ran like a champ and worked like a dog. I replaced it with a Bissell green machine this year. Why? Becuase it stores neatly and complactly. Will I be sorry? Will review it in a year.