EXCELLENT advice Sweetpea, we recently changed the drive belt on my Dyson Animal, a nightmare that was as it had to be stripped down (hubby did it!) and I just couldn't believe how much difference it made, it was like new. It lead me to realising that ALL vacs need frequent belt changes due to use. I try and keep my vac in tip top condition and I like the fact that Dyson can have ANY part replaced at any point and with a little internet research, can be done by a mechanicla minded person.
I'm still on the look out for a new vac tho as I hate doing the stairs with mine, it really hurts my back and I suffer for a long time afterward and this Oreck tempted me. Still doing research, which I think is half the fun of buying something, checking reviews and my current fave in the George, the wet and dry version of the Henry. I'm such a housewife, getting excited by a vacuum cleaner.:30: