To each his own, but my Craftsman 16 gallon Shopvac is almost 40 years old and still works like a charm and really "sucks", in a good way. Of course I also realize that my old Craftsman stuff was all made in the USA! I got over 33 years out of a Kenmore washer, 22 years from a Kenmore dryer, 40 years out of a Craftsman variable speed 3/8" reversible drill, which still works but the bearings are now very sloppy. I got 2 free rebuilds on my Craftsman 1/2" ratchet. Almost everything today is imported garbage at a premium price. I started buying Ridgid cordless tools because they have a lifetime warranty, even the batteries. I know that there are better tools out there but I don't use them all the time and my budget doesn't allow much wiggle room. I recently bought a Porter-Cable 3 gallon 150 psi (re-conditioned) compressor, which I like. However now I see why they were (reconditioned)! The 3 point compressor mounting system is a joke and mine arrived with a cracked mounting tab. I dogged it down under the bottom support legs and it will work, but it is a design flaw. I can't complain for 1/2 price. I am not dissing any other brands out there and I know that guys who use stuff every day need GOOD stuff! I have read several posts on this excellent forum regarding other excellent quality tools from brands I never even heard of. I wish you luck, 747, with your quest. May you find something reliable without breaking the bank!