Panasonic MCUG471 Upright Vacuum Review

I chose this vacuum since our last Panasonic vacuum lasted over 15 years with little maintainance, cleaning afer a family of four. I have now had this vacuum for six months and I am disappointed by how poorly designed this vacuum has turned out to be. First, it is quite heavy and difficult to transport up and down the stairs. Pushing it around is a workout. After several months and a little breaking in, it is unable to stand upright on its own and must be left leaning against a surface since it is very top heavy and falls backward at the slightest touch. The latch for pushing to release the dirt door broke off almost immediately. The brush attachments fall out of their holders and have to be stored seperately. It is easily clogged by any moderate sized paper or dirt. The only redeaming features are that it is effective at getting up the pet hair from our dog (labrador) and cat, the retractable cord works well, and the handle is easily adjusted in height so that any member of the family can vacuum with the handle at the correct height. The dirt sensor light is just a gizmo with no real value. I would not recommend buying this vacuum.