I inherited my Kitchen Aid stand mixer from my Grandmother back in 2001.  I have heard, but not experienced personally that the quality of the 'consumer grade' Kitchen Aid mixers have deteriorated since.  (Not the professional models.) 

I love this mixer!  It has the 'crank' on the side to raise and lower the work-bowl.  The paddle doesn't get hung up in heavy mixes.  The whip beats egg whites to meringue perfection, and the bread dough hook really works wonders on a butter rich dough! 

It is heavy, I suggest finding a home for it where all you have to do is pull it out to use it.  The...