Kirby Vacuums

[Lulu-in-Ny]

This seemed like the best place for this; if there's a better spot, please migrate it there...
So, my sister's ex came to her house today to demonstrate a Kirby Vacuum. I went in with only the hope of NOT making fun of him, but...wow. Does anyone own one of these things? If so, is it really as amazing as they make it look? Most importantly, is it really worth $1800? Thank god I didn't have that much cash on me, because I would have totally bought one...

[BakingInPearls]

My mother had a Kirby vacuum that she got second hand and after 50+ years of service we finally had to put it down. It was the best vacuum I have ever used but just a warning if you are vacuuming small area rugs have someone stand on the edges because boy howdie that thing will suck the rug right up in it!

[DancingSweetie]

I recently bought a used one on Ebay for $100, I think it's from the 80's or 90's. So far I love it. I also bought a box of all kinds of attachments for about $25. I like them because they look more like vacuum cleaners used to look, rather than the ugly plastic things available now.

[Lulu-in-Ny]

I like them because they look more like vacuum cleaners used to look, rather than the ugly plastic things available now.

That's what I kept saying-"Oooh, it's so retro looking, all chrome and whatnot.

because boy howdie that thing will suck the rug right up in it!

I am totally going to find every opportunity I can to use the phrase "boy howdie"!

[Josephine]

My mom got one in the late 80's and dear God it was HEAVY. I don't think I can emphasize how HEAVY this thing was. I was 20 in 88 so I wasn't a wimpy preteen. I did not like vacuuming with it. But boy howdy it was a work horse!

[~*Red*~]

I bought one from a kid my husband was trying to recruit into the Marines, (he thought I was doing him a favor, but it really ended up better for me! )

That thing has lasted longer than any of the other 5 machines we've owned. I don't have the shampoo attachment, just the vacuum and accompanying attachments. That thing kicks! Mine isn't as cool as the older ones, but it's awesome. The only other vacuum I really like are the Dyson vacuums. My folks have one and sometimes I wish I had one too, just because it is way lighter than my Kirby! But I'll never give it up.
They seriously last a lifetime. The gym I used to go still used one that was at least 50 years old.

[Weston]

Mine is Grandmother Weston's from 1956. Works like a dream. However, don't pay too much. Do a google search for deals on Kirby sweepers – the cheapest is to get them from eBay new, but my mom a couple years ago talked down the salesman to $600. That top price is super inflated – I wouldn't pay half the original price.

[KilroyCD]

I have one that's around 22 years old, and boy howdie, does it ever do the job! I didn't pay very much for mine though. This is how it came about. A Kirby salesman came around and asked if he could do a demonstration using the rug shampooing attachment. As I had a section of carpet that really needed it, I said "sure". After it was all said and done, he told me that the price of the vacuum was $1600. I said that's well out of my price range, so he offered his demo model to me at $1200. Still out of my price range, I told him and he left without a sale. Two weeks later I was at an auction where there were two Kirbys. I scarfed up an '86 model (with all the attachments) for $35. That's more within my budget! If that salesman hadn't been by a couple of weeks before I probably would not have given them a second look. I'm glad I did, as it's the best vacuum I've ever owned.

[imoldfashioned]

I grew up using a handmedown Kirby that probably dated to the late 40s. It finally broke after about 45 years of service and I'll bet it could have been repaired if my mother had spent more time looking for a good shop. Modern ones just don't compare.

[Lulu-in-Ny]

It is really impressive in action; I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled for a solid used one. That $1800 is a little ridiculous.