My Kirby Avalir adventures

[matt8808]

So at the start of the week I was bored and browsing facebook marketplace. I wasn't looking for anything specific when I see these two beauties for a bargain price. They wanted £45 each OR you could take both for £80. I offered £70 for the pair and they accepted. I couldn't get there to collect them quick enough!

'Bargain!' I thought.... I'll do them up and sell them on at a huge profit.

 

[matt8808]

When I got there to collect them I discovered they belonged to an elderly man. He had bought them both brand new - one for upstairs one for downstairs - but couldn't manage with them so was selling.

When I got home and took a closer look they were literally barely used. Still had their first bags inside. All I did was give them a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and a new belt and bag each. They didn't even need a polish and they both looked like they had just came out the box. Not even a scuff mark on the bumpers.

 

[matt8808]

I was so pleased with my bargains and how little they owed me I decided to keep them. Both. One to use as a daily and one at the back of the cupboard for spares.

Kirby parts in the UK are mega expensive - for example when I had a Sentria II the switch failed once the warranty had expired and it cost me nearly £100 for a new switch. Just for the part itself.

So I figured I'd keep the second machine as a potential spares machine should anything fail on the one I'm going to use daily. I mean, they owe me next to nothing, right?

So this left me with a problem.

That tool kit.

For some weird reason they came with a set of Sentria tools and an unused Sentria shampoo system. This would never do if I'm going to keep them. I NEED the matching tools. So I hunt about online and it becomes apparent that I'll have to buy the tools separately from America.

Well for just the dry use tools it was going to cost about £150 by the time I'd added on shipping.

And then I had a brain wave..... Why not just buy a third machine that has all the tools?

 

[matt8808]

Avalir number 3 cost me £200. The machine itself was hardly used. Again, still had its original bag inside. But it had been stored in a filthy garage for a decent period and the metal was starting to tarnish.

BUT it had a full set of UNUSED dry use tools inc zip brush. Unused Miracle Shine kit and an 'as new' used once Multi Surface Shampoo System.

So the plan was made. Polish up machine number 3, new bag and belt, pair it with the Sentria tools and sell it.

Meaning I would be left with a complete set of matching tools for my machines.

This is machine 3 all ready for eBay with the Sentria tools.....

 

[matt8808]

So that leaves me with my two..... So far Avalir number 3 is on eBay at £140. Even if it only sells for £150 it means my two factory fresh Avalirs with a complete set of unused tools will only owe me £120 all in.

£120 for two practically new Avalirs.

Fair enough I only have one set of tools.... but I'm only going to be using one machine.

For me this is my bargain of the year. I am VERY pleased with them indeed.

I'll be even more pleased if Avalir number 3 sells for more than £150.... I'll keep you all posted with the final price so I can say exactly what my two owe me.

 

[electromatik]

Other people always have the best luck finding great looking machines but not me.

:-0

 

[rivstg1]

Man, you scored

 

[lesinutah]

Wow

They look like he didn't even turn then on.
You really did well congrats.
Les

 

[matt8808]

Have spent the day giving my new daily machine a good run

 

[blackheart]

Very nice!

That's a fantastic deal on them! Enjoy! They're a powerful deep cleaning vacuum.

 

[suckolux]

Stunning

 

[lesinutah]

Tray

The tray to hold the water is awesome. It makes it less messy.
Les

 

[matt8808]

Well......

Machine 3 just sold for £185. Not as much as I'd expected but then again I had it set to 'collection only' and it has miss-matched accessories so I can't complain too much.

This means that my TWO 'new' machines with full set of correct accessories only owe me a total of £85. £85!!!!

Really enjoying having a Kirby as my daily again.

And yes I agree Lesinutah the new shampoo system is much better. I doubt I'll ever use the hard floor wash option or the miracle shine but I do like the Kirby carpet shampoo for general light maintenance freshen ups. Much easier than my upright Bissell carpet cleaner.

 

[human]

I applaud you on your self-discipline to actually carry through and sell the surplus Avalir and accessories. This is an area in which I frequently fall short. If there were a Vacuholics Anonymous, I'd definitely be discussing this with my sponsor.

 

[texaskirbyguy]

I would say you 'stole' those machines and now you have a home care system for life!! Great discipline for selling the third - I have a problem with getting rid of extra 'stuff'...

 

[matt8808]

haha I just couldn't justify keeping the 3rd. Plus selling it meant the two I have kept are even more of a bargain as I've recouped some money