Nathaniel, I would take Eurekaprince's suggestion & buy
But I wouldn't buy new. Instead, I would look at buying a used Kenmore Whispertone model from the '90's.
Back then, they were still using the Ametek double-stage motors that were being used in the Tri-Stars & Filter Queens. These motors will easily last 15-20 years on each set of carbon brushes, & have a lifespan of 30-40 years. You still see Kenmores from the early 80's coming into the repair shop still working using these same motors- now what does that tell ya?
Now, the motors in new Kenmore/Panasonics are single-stage Panasonic motors- they are just as powerful as the double-stage motors, both will pull 90 inches on a waterlift gauge. But they just don't hold up the way they used to. It's not uncommon to see a 3 or 4 yr old Kenmore/Panasonic with a blown motor, & a $150 bill for the cost of the motor alone, let alone the labor. Another common problem for the newer Kenmore/Panasonics is blown circuit boards inside the canister-yet another expensive problem to fix. The relay boxes on the older Kenmore/Panasonics are extremely reliable & rarely break.
The features are still unchanged- quick-release nozzle, off/floor/carpet powerswitch on the handle, swivel hose, etc. You won't be able to get one with a HEPA filter, but why would you want one when they aren't sealed?! The HEPA bags work good anyways for allergy sufferers, and are inexpensive- my local repair shop charges 3/$9.99 for their generic cloth HEPA bags. Paper bags are also very economically priced @ 10/$12.97 at Sears. They also have a very large useable bag capacity. These would be big factors if you are picking up lots of pet hair & going thru bags quickly.
The Powermate Jr small electric brush attachment works great & is a really big advantage to these models- makes stair cleaning/small space cleanup & pet hair a breeze! You can purchase one from any Panasonic dealer or Sears store for $50. It won't store onboard, however, but that problem is easily solved with a clip-on holder that attaches to the wand, about $20 from any Panasonic dealer. Another plus is the older models also come with dedicated dusting & upholstery tools, the new models come with combo tools which I personally find annoying. And of course the older tools are better quality. The floor brush is also well-designed, I personally feel one of the best designs on the market, & will do a great job on floors should you use a canister for floors.
The powerhead is also more reliable on the older models, too. Back in the 90s they were still making the powerheads with the 2 brush/1 beater bar configuration with the metal end caps that weren't prone to melting like the newer chevron brushrolls with plastic endcaps. The wheels on some of the newer powerbrushes are also problematic & can fall off & need replacing- this was never a problem with the older models. The V belts on the newer powerheads are just as reliable as the cog belts on the older powerheads, however, so that won't be an issue.
If you buy an older model, there are a couple of things to watch out for. DO NOT BUY A KENMORE WITH A FLOATING BAG CHANGE INDICATOR! These models look the same, BUT inside they have the single-stage motors that they were starting to use in the late 90s. Instead, look for one that has the bag change indicator light at the back- this is an indication that it is a model that has the double-stage motor. If you do buy a Kenmore from the 90s that has the single-stage motor & later decide to upgrade to the double-stage motor, you can buy a used white plastic motor-housing from a dealer's scrap pile, & use that with the new motor. Assuming you buy a model with the double-stage motor, it would also be advisable to buy a new set of carbon brushes & either install them yourself or have the dealer do it, as the carbon brushes in the motor will probably need to be changed in 2-3 years anyways- this will assure you of trouble-free cleaning for many years to come.
While you are at it, it would be also be wise to buy a spare Kenmore canister with the 3-prong plug in the canister, as these Kenmore/Panasonics did have a problem with the plastic around the caster wheel cracking. It should be fine if you take reasonable care, but it wouldn't hurt to have one on hand & you would be getting a spare motor, cordreel, etc.
Also, consider buying one of the older powerheads so you have a spare brushroll on hand with the metal endcaps- the older brushrolls are no longer available & you would have to replace with the chevron-style brush if the bristles wear out, plus you will have the spare motor, etc. Note too, that the older powerbrush will work with newer Kenmores that have the 2-piece wand with quick release, should you buy a newer Kenmore & later decide you don't like the newer powerbrush.
Whether you buy a newer or older Kenmore, of course be gentle on the hose & NEVER LEAVE THE HOSE ON THE WAND WHEN STORING IT! It will cause the vinyl to tear, so take it off the wand & let the handle rest on the ground.
Now, should you prefer to buy a new machine, I would STRONGLY suggest you buy the optional 5 year extended warranty for $150 thru Sears. It will pay for your motor replacement- and it WILL need replaced in the warranty period- and cover anything else wrong with it- so for the cost of replacing the motor alone you would get your moneys worth out of the warranty. Should you not like the combo tools, the older dusting brush & upholstery tools are available at Panasonic dealers & Sears stores, & you can always store them on a clip-on tool caddy on the wand. Of course, you can also use any generic 1 1/4 tools from any other vac too.
Be sure to check vac shops for good deals, or Ebay. You should easily be able to find a refurbished older model Kenmore for around $150-$200. Also check yard & garage sales too.
As far as the other suggestions here, I would not recommend them for your particular use. The Electrolux, Royal Powertank & Tristar/Miracle Mate designs wouldn't have very big useable bag capacity, especially with the Electrolux, & you would be changing bags much more with either of these machines. And their powerbrushes wouldn't pick up pet hair as well, either. You also wouldn't get the features of the Kenmore, either, such as the quick-release wands or powerswitch on the hose handle.
So, hope this helps a bit in making your choice!
