Another 2 **Big Yays** for Craigslist!

[hoovercelebrity]

I had been browsing Craigslist the past two nights, and stumbled upon two listings I was interested in pursuing.

I emailed both sellers, asking if the items were still available.
Both responded over the last day--and I called both, arranged to go look at them, and ended up buying both!

I didn't get super duper $5 or $10 dollar deals ((that would have been amazing!))... But all things considered, I got pretty nifty deals on them.

The Miele is still a current model (S168) which sells for $350+. I got it for $100!! I've wanted one of these for a while now, and couldn't believe the deal I got.
I even have a SEB-217 Powernozzle laying around that will work on this cleaner. It came with my Miele canister and I had upgraded to a SEB-236. Thus yielding an extra powerhead.
I've been waiting patiently for one of these for at least two or three years now... and voilà! My patience paid off!!
Even Joe was impressed with it (that says a lot!).
It's super quiet, super powerful, and super Miele. I love it!
The guy selling it said his ex-girlfriend always bought the best... and now that they had broken up, and he was moving to California--he was just looking to get rid of everything that he could (probably that reminded him of her...).

I got the Princess II for $75. Which is still a great price, considering that when new, it probably sold for $600+. I only wish it had metal tools and the longer hose.
Funny, I had been watching a Princess on eBay about two weeks ago... and resisted the temptation to bid on it. Glad I did!

Check 'em out.

~Fred

 

[hoovercelebrity]

The Princess...

Even came full of dirt!!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

But now, it's...

All disassembled, and soaking in the bathtub as I post this stuff!

Stay tuned for "after" shots tomorrow--after I run to the vacuum store to get some new little incidental parts.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Oh...

Never seen this before... Lombard, IL?

I thought they were based in Cleveland, OH..?

 

[hoovercelebrity]

And Finally...

Made in May of 1990!

Love date-codes!

Oh... and the funny thing-- The guy who I bought this from said "Yep... we're selling it because we got a Dyson."

I started laughing on the inside, and thought You stupid fool, this is 10x better than the Dyson, any day!

But, I said: "How are you liking the Dyson? ... I hear they're nice vacuums."

Then I left, still laughing on the indside.

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Great finds, Fred
I think both are good deals.
Especially, as you said, compared to buying them new.
Both are incredible machines.
Love the Miele electric broom,
Definitely a machine on my list.
Loved playing with the one at Fred's place.
You just can't beat a Miele.
The Filter Queen is also great.
Those machines are so powerful and quiet.
Enjoy!!

Pat

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Thanks, Pat!

We need to catch up soon!

Hope all is well with you..

~F

 

[swingette]

I have a similar Miele broom with pn but mine is the older series. When i first got mine i was shocked at the suction power and quiet sound. With the powernozzle it really does clean like a full sized cleaner. I use mine more than any of my other cleaners. Well made too!

 

[luxg]

Wow Fred, it was a great weekend for you!! Two great vacuums. Will look forward to seeing the after pictures.

 

[buffster]

Congrats Fred...

Ya done good! I love the Miele S168 Universal Upright. At least it appears to be the S168 Universal Upright. And, it appears to be in MINT condition.

You know I'm a Miele fan. Can't say enough good things about them. $100 is a phenomenal deal. Bravo. And, it was just synchronistic that you happen to have that spare SEB-217 Powernozzle. It was meant to be. Can't wait to see more photos. BTW, still looking forward to dishing about Macs.

M.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

More Pictures!

Here's the Miele all wiped down, with a new bag installed. I had to run out to our local Miele vac store and get a box of bags. I hated having to wait 18 hours to use the thing! It was torture, I tell you!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Here it is...

With its SEB-217 Powernozzle.
I figured out that I can also use my SEB-236 powerhead, and then the machine will stand up by itself.

It is a bit on the heavy side... I also noticed it's rather on the tall side. It almost feels like I'm pushing a Hoover model 62 or 29; with the taller handle.

David--Like you, I think this will get used quite often. I use my Miele canister more than any of my other machines... It's just such a fabulous vacuum! Those Germans really know how to make a well-made vacuum cleaner!

Mike-Yes, it is a S-168... and it couldn't have been used more than a total of 2 hours in its lifetime. Mint as mint could be!

 

[hoovercelebrity]

The Princess...

Back from her day at the spa..
Glamming it up for the camera!

There was very little dirt inside of it... and I had absolutely no problem tearing right into it. These are very easy machines to work on! I was inspired to tear it apart after seeing Logan's Filter Queen posts a few weeks back.

I need to get a crevice tool for it, and a new bare floor brush insert... and I would love to find a 10' hose--crushproof or wire-reinforced. I won't be picky.
Anybody have an extra 10' Princess hose?

This, too, I took a video of, and will post tonight after I get home from work.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

I just can't keep Hoovers out of what I do...

Of course, when I was taking it apart, I noticed that the cord had been chewed on (by a dog)... Lovely, I thought.

So, going through my cords, I used a nice gray Hoover cord I had laying around... that I think looks pretty spiffy with the machine.

It gives it that little extra 'je ne sais quois..'

 

[hamiltonbeachbo]

Does It Get Any Better??

Fred,

Beautiful shots.
Fabulous machines.
Both machines look spectacular.
Great job cleaning them up.
As you said, near mint which makes the job easier.
The Miele broom with the PN is amazing, a great configuration.
I bet it cleans as well if not better than most clean air uprights.
I thought the handle was adjustable on that model ... No?? Whatever!!
Love the color of the FQ Princess, so soothing!!
Enjoy!!

I'll give a call one night this week.
Moved out so night chat is more comfortable.
We'll talk soon and catch up.
Really look forward to seeing you in FL as well!!
Take Care!!

Pat

 

[petek]

Two good finds. I've never tried one of those Miele brooms, only the canisters.
What vac do you do the stair treads with btw? I use either the Electrolux brain dead at the mo' little power nozzle or my Royal Prince.. actually the Royal Prince is great with that mega mega long power cord.

 

[hoovercelebrity]

Here's the FQ Video...

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[buffster]

Love the video...

Thanks for sharing. And, I really love the low profile on the power nozzle.

BTW, how do you insert the actual YouTube screen into the thread? Are you copying the HTML code and inserting it?? I've tried before without success. Inquiring minds want to know.

M.

 

[swiveltop]

Fabulous Finds Fred

They both look brand new,those air powered powernozzles are great,I have one on my Riccar Canister and use it on different machines,Love the Filter Queen,the powernozzle reminds me of the first ones that were brown,the machine looks great in gray,what years did they make these,I have two Queens so maybe I can find a Princess. Mark