My sister's had one for about ten years, too, and she told me it was totally worth the investment. I just hated spending $100 bucks every year for a run of the mill vacuum. After three years, you've practically paid for the Dyson. I lucked out. I got mine on sale. Normally, the DC-14 runs about $399. I'm very pleased with it so far. What model do you have?

And how sad is it that I think I need a Dyson icon :P