They have an excellent reputation, but nowadays, with the advancement of technology, you can walk into your local Wal-Mart and find a vacuum cleaner that's less expensive and just as efficient. Kirby people will tell you that their V/cleaners last for years, but so do the cheaper brands.
We bought a Kirby and the demo was great, we bought some attachments (which we NEVER used) and had it about 2 years. It was heavy and took up space since it had all the attachments. It was the worst investment I have ever made. After the kirby we bought a Hoover bagless for about 300.00, and have had it ever since (about 3 years). It still works like it did the first day we bought it! I would not recommend the Kirby, save your money, buy a Hoover and take a small vacation with the rest...
Ive had a Kirby, Electrolux and Rainbow (BIG pain!) I recently bought a Dyson (purple one for around $500) Best one yet! I have allergies and asthma so I am always trying to get one that helps with my problems. My friend raved about the Dyson (and it is bagless) I use it more than the others now. (actually the Rainbow was sold in a yard sale, and the Electrolux is now for the cars only) Even if they were the same price - I prefer the Dyson over all of the higher priced brands.
A Kirby vacuum cleaner is no different than any other machine. There is a belt to wear out, a beater brush to wear out, a bag to empty and scores of other plastic, metal or other things to break. The Kirby is a fine machine and expensive, but , ANY machine, made, can, AND WILL break at some point. Unless you have some medical reason for purchasing an exorbitantly expensive item like this, simply go to Walmart and get a 100 dollar animal. It'll last for a few years, then, when it breaks, there is no question about getting it repaired, throw it away and get another one.
I've had mine for 15yrs, and it's still going!!!! Have had no repairs or problems with it.
