We are not affiliated with Filter Queen, or HMI.  The following is based on our service and sales history with the product, both new and used.  New Filter Queen vacuums are only available through authorized distributors.

Having purchased many Filter Queen Majestic 360 vacuums online, I wanted to share some important things to look for when you are shopping for a Majestic 360 online. 

First, using common sense, usually what you see is what you get!  If the machine looks beat up, has scratches on the power head, flat spots in the hose, or is very dirty, you may want to consider moving on to a new item.  Hoses and power heads are rather costly to replace.  The same goes for missing attachments, the Filter Queen Majestic should come with four standard attachments, a crevice tool, dusting brush, bare floor brush, and upholstery tool with a slide on brush. 

Not all 360's are created equal!  The Majestic 360 has been manufactured for the last four years, and early versions of this machine had major problems with the hose, wand, and power nozzle.  From wand ends breaking off, to brush roll bearings seizing, to power nozzles completely falling apart, the early versions were just not made to last. 

UPDATE:  HMI has issued a recall on Filter Queen Majestic 360 vacuums.  For more information visit the US CONSUMER PROTECTION website here:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09204.html

Our understanding is that the recall only applies to 360 models, and not the 360SS, which is the current model being sold and has the wider on/off switch.

Over the last few years, Filter Queen has made many improvements in the design of these parts, and seems to have eliminated the problems.  So, how do you know for sure whether you are purchasing a new version, or an older one?

In late 2007, the narrow on/off switch(B) was replaced with a wider on/off switch(A).  This is the red switch located on the top of the machine, so it is usually quite noticeable in photos.  The new style (wide switch), is the newer version, and has most known issues removed or fixed.   Of course, just because the canister has a wide switch does not guarantee that you will not have any repairs down the road.  However it will insure that you are purchasing the newest Filter Queen Majestic 360 available, and not an earlier model.

If it had all these problems, is it still a good machine?  Absolutely!  Filter Queen vacuums have been in use since the 40's & 50's, and were hugely popular in the 60's & 70's, with many of those machines still being used today!  The Filter Queen boasts extremely high filtration levels, and does a very good job of cleaning.  Earlier models (pre 2003), such as the Triple Crown, Limited Edition, and 70th Anniversary, were sturdily built and have proven the test of time.

Lastly, be sure to send a message to your seller, asking them to package the item securely to avoid unnecessary damage during transit.   Many vacuums we receive are damaged due to lack of packaging material, so a quick note to your seller can cover your investment.

IF YOU LEARNED SOMETHING HERE, CAN YOU PLEASE CLICK BELOW AND LET EBAY KNOW THAT THIS GUIDE IS HELPFUL?

Thank you,
Saras Vac Shack