this thing be wonderful for the first three year . I recall tell my wife when I first fire it up , `` we can actually have a conversation with this thing run '' . my only immediate complaint be that it do not do the greatest job with edge cleaning . otherwise , it be not be a bad vacuum consider it be be use daily for over 2,700 day straight -lrb- 5 child to clean after -rrb- . over-all : good suction , handle well , change only 3-4 belt , contain dirt very well with hepa filter , change lightbulb only once . here 's my experience with quality issue -lrb- heavy use , but not abuse -rrb- : year 1 : no problem year 2 : auto brush stop fail when vacuum be upright , but can still manually stop with lever . notice that it be not as quiet as at first -lrb- rattle and buzz -rrb- . year 3 : replace hose attachment due to nozzle end chip and crack . Flex hose leak . year 4 : replaced lightbulb . notice powercord insullation easily become chew if accidently run over cord . year 5 : quite loud now , but no noticable performance difference since new . year 6 : will not stay upright unless you adjust the yellow release pedal to lock in . there be be a few `` ouch '' with my wife and kid . year 7 : Power switch no longer work , the belt tension arm have weaken and the roller brush just ramp up and down -lrb- even with a new belt -rrb- . hose and nozzle need to be replace again , powercord and the roller brush should be replace ... time for a new vacuum . be the above acceptable for a $ 160 vacuum ? I guess , but quite frankly , I would be willing to spend a few more buck on a vacuum that get I out to 10yr and have better quality in plastic part and do not get louder with time and give I better edge suction . if it mean alot more money , this vacuum be probably hit the sweet spot . I consider give this 4 star , but decide on 3 as I be not really sure if it be above average with regard to wear and tear for this price point . I hope this help you buying decision .