We owned our original Vitamix for over eight years and loved it.  A family member has it now and it's still working great!    This year, we decided to buy a new one.  It's EVEN BETTER!  We love the timer, the pre-programed speeds, the wider interior container, pulsing option, the sturdier base. . . all of it!  We use it at least once or twice a day.  We wouldn't change a thing!