I had my previous vacuum for 4 years, no problems. I "upgraded" to this one and in 4 months, I've had to replace the brush 1 time (it actually melted in the vacuum) and the belt 2 times. The 2nd time the belt broke, it was after only vacuuming for 1 minute on a new belt.Update: 9/6/11 - The pattern continues. Every time we vacuum, the belt breaks. DO NOT BUY unless you want to keep buying new belts.