Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've owned three of these Bissell models over the past four years. The first (2006) lasted nearly 18 months and about as many carpet cleanings. Eventually the spray system broke. Since it was out of warranty it was not worth getting fixed. The second (2008) lasted 13 months. Same story, the spray system broke. The third, this year, last 4 months and 3 carpet cleanings. Under warranty I called Bissell, got the names of two service centers but when I called them they both told me the same thing: Bissell was not going to warrant the spray system unless it was a manufacturer's defect. Being prudent, I called Bissell and went through a 30 trouble shooting session over the phone. It was grueling. Check this gasket, that gasket, take out the spray nozzles, get an old toothbrush and clean the sprayer, try the hose, re-seat the water tank, re-seat the soap tank, try the hose again, chew some gum, run the machine for a minute, walk on the ceiling for 30 seconds, run the machine and press the spray button for two minutes, check the hose without the attachment, spin your partner loop-de-lou, stretch the hose out, look out the window and wait for a police car to go by, run the machine and try the spray.... When I questioned the Bissell customer service person about the two service centers reporting that the spray system was probably not going to be covered by the warranty, because Bissell apparently doesn't believe spray problems are a manufacturer's defect, they stuck to the company line: we will fix a manufacturer's defect. How about a return? That's up to the store where you purchased it. Here's my take: I expect a $200 carpet cleaner to work. I expect to fill it with water, put the tank on, fill it with soap, put the tank on, turn on the switch and clean carpet. My position is that all the trouble shooting Bissell made me go through was just to make up for bad design, bad engineering, poor quality parts, etc. This model of machine has a serious spray system issue. It obviously has several points where it fails and Bissell seems to believe it is your problem not theirs. Don't buy this product, the spray system may last 2 years or 4 months, just to get it work is a problem even if the pump is still working, but no matter what Bissell's support system isn't there for you. Luckily for me, a brought this product at Costco and they took it back and gave me a full refund. Though I'm not sure carpet cleaners from other manufacturer's are any better, I know the Bissell is not an option. Personally, I would pay more for a longer lasting quality product if and when I can find one. I think we need to stop sourcing these products from China.