I damn near agonized over what type and how expensive a steam cleaner to purchase. I researched, talked to folks, checked my threadbare bank account, and vacillated for two months just weighing the pros and cons. I finally bought the VX5000, after gulping at the cost. The kicker for me was the fact that I NEED it for more than just detailing my car. I plan to use it on everything possible in the house, and I was really afraid of buying one that I saved money on but later regretted having, because it either was cheap quality, fell apart too soon and I had to fight with the seller to have it fixed or replaced, was inadequate for the job I wanted it to perform, etc., etc., etc. I remember biting the bullet and getting a Flex 3401, and I am glad I spent the extra dollars because it is truly a quality piece of equipment worth the money. I hope the same is true for the VX5000, because more than anything else, I HATE spending money for something and regretting it because I spent less trying to economize and end up getting screwed with something that falls apart on me.