Kirby Vac?

Question

This question is for people who have owned or now own a kirby vacuum. My mom had one when I was a kid and she loved it.

Kirby Vacuums, are they worth the money? Should I keep it or return it? I got it for a huge discount ($2k vac for $1300) Afraid hubby is gonna freak out. Do I bite the bullet and tell him I bought it and I need it or just return it quietly and hope he doesn't notice?

For the record, it's their new one that is a vac, shampooer, leaf blower, air compressor, plunger, sander, etc. It really would cost me much more to buy everything separately... and no, we actually have no carpet (with the exception of rugs), but this works on hardwoods and tile too.

Answer 1

I have a Generation 3...I've had it for Almost 15yrs. I haven't had any problems with it. I don't particularly like it because it's heavy and has all those useless tools. But Like I said I've had it for 15yrs and it still works perfect. I don't know anything about the newer models if they would hold up that long or not.

I gave a lot for mine back that many yrs ago, I could have bought a good used car. lol

Answer 2

There is no doubt that Kirby makes a good vacuum. The problem is that they are horribly overpriced. This is one of the last bastions of the "door to door" salesman. They always have a deal for you if you BUY TODAY! Did they ask you to write them a letter or ask for the names of three friends that they can contact? Did they make you promise not to even whisper the price they "gave" you because the next purchasers won't be so lucky? I know they came up with some type of excuse for dropping the price.

If you purchased the vac during an in-home demonstration, they should asked you to sign a document acknowledging receipt of your "Rights of Recission". Federal law (the Magnusson-Moss Act) provides for a three day "cooling off" period when you buy from these types of outfits. According to the law, they should have left you with two copies of the Rights of Recission. You can sign one of them and cancel the deal without penalty within three working days of the day the deal was signed. Since this is a "one legged" deal (your husband was not present), they expect that you will probably cancel. You can bet that they have plenty of room left to move on the price. If you choose to do so, I will bet the ranch that you will be contacted by "the Sales Manager" with an even better deal.

Like I said, they make a good product, but I think they are way overpriced. I attend estate auctions almost every weekend during warm weather. Almost every auction has a Kirby, Electrolux, or Rainbow vacuum that sells for under $25.00. I have bought a couple over the years. If you choose to do the same, make sure you get all of the attachments.

Good luck with your vacuum deal.

Answer 3

I don't think anyone here is qualified to say whether or not you should keep it or return it since we don't know your individual situation. (Financial, relationship with husband...etc.)
But, as a Kirby owner, I can give you my opinion from the experience I've had with mine.

$1300 IS a lot to pay for a vacuum. Is it worth it? To me it was! I have been a very proud owner of my Kirby for two years. I have 3 children, a man, a dog and I'm obsessed about keeping my nearly white carpet looking brand new. I use it non-stop and torture that poor vac more than I probably should. Still, I have had nothing but good luck with this machine.
I used to own a Hoover. Then it died. I bought a Dirt Devil. It too, died. After two more Hoovers in less than 10 years, I decided that the Kirby was worth a shot. (I had already spent over 400.00 on vacs that couldn't take my compulsive punishment.)

I have used mine for everything it was intended to do-and more! Yes, I've blown leaves with it, inflated air mattresses in seconds, cleaned my mattress and sofas routinely, and I've used the shampoo-er more times than I can count. It has been a fantastic addition to my cleaning arsenal! I've actually been requested to make rounds to visit some family members and bring the Kirby with me!

Regardless, you should probably look at your situation and decide if you want to keep it. Like I said, I don't know how your finances are, but as far as the hubby goes (if you decide to keep it and tell him) just make sure you brag to him about the "automatic transmission!"
As a fellow Kirby owner-I don't regret buying my "overpriced" piece of metal one bit! (Also, I bought mine the day I was ripping all of the carpet out of my old house-it does work wonderful on hardwood floors!)
Hope my opinion helps out a little!

Answer 4

If I was your spouse I would freak out big time.

Leaf blowers are dirt cheap, even good electric ones that are quiet and work well cost about $75 at amazon.com.

We have a compressor that was dirt cheap, like $60.

I have a little handheld shampooer that was $35 and the solution it uses is really cheap.

All of that adds up to what...less than $200, right?

That salesperson should win an award. You don't even have carpet and you spent $1300 on a vacuum!! Plus you're spouting off their sales pitch to justify it! Sweetheart, take that stupid thing back. DO NOT USE IT, don't even open the package.

My husband and I have an agreement that we don't spend that much money without checking with each other first. Even if $1300 is no big deal to you, it's still the principal of doing it behind his back.

Good lord girl, you've made what I spent today seem like nothing! Thanks!

Answer 5

I hated my mom's Kirby when I was a kid and had to do the vacuuming. I would suggest that you return it, especially since you do not have wall to wall carpeting. Spend the money on a less expensive vacuum and a floor dustmop.