"tj" wrote in message
...
Need to buy a new one, any thoughts? Looking to spend under $500 if
possible, thanks

I have a hoover vac bought from costco for around $300 some ten years ago.
It still works fine -- there are some cracks on plastic cover and handle,
but these don't affect the operation of the machine.

Also, consumer reports rate vacuum cleaners and update them once every few
years. You can go to library to look for old issues, or subscribe their web
version.