we buy this in 2004 to replace a Hoover upright that constantly eat belt and roller . we be a bit leary about the glowing claim back then but in the 7 year we have own it , we have replace nothing but bag . it pick up as much today as when it be brand new . that be reliability that you should get when you spend $ 150 + for a vacuum . I have read the review that claim the plastic break . we have see no breakage of anything plastic and it be pretty resilient to the normal banging into furniture . it also have a good long cord to you do not have to keep unplug and move it to another outlet . the only two negative , and they be minor , be it be a bit on the heavy side and and there be a flip knob that do not hold one of the attachment to the unit very well . it have the tendency to fall out . so we just put it away where we know where to find it when we have to vacuum stair . you can not go wrong with this vacuum and for the money it be the best on the market . we have try Hooever , Electrolux and even the ultra expensive Oreck .