Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Let me start by saying that my original Bullet lasted 14 (!) years!!!! It was awesome and I loved it, using it constantly for smoothies (yes, frozen fruit). I couldn't even complain when it finally died after such a long life. So I immediately bought a second one. It felt different from my old one, it was more 'plastic' and flimsier than my old one. I used it exactly the way I used my old one and for the same type foods, mostly smoothies. It quit after only two months, the gears stripping and sending tiny black pieces of plastic into my food and an oily residue from the motor onto my counter. Unfortunately it was too late to send it back, so I wrote to the seller to no avail, never heard a word. I tossed it out. I thought perhaps I had just gotten a lemon and decided to try again. I bought a third one. This one set a new record ....broke on the second use! Are you kidding me? Again, the gears stripped and it sent up a smelly oily puff of smoke. I can't believe that TWO of these things quit after such a short time after my last one lasted for so many years. This is most definitely NOT the same as they used to be. I am returning it today (thanks Amazon!), and will not buy another ever. Anyone care to recommend a small blender that can do what it promises? sheesh.