Filter Queen Majestic vacuum cleaner, $20.

You must be aware that there are numerous brands and models of vacuum cleaners lurking out there that sell for more money - both new and used - than you'd ever have dreamed possible. And just how do you find out about these machines? You do a little research, which can start right here.

One of the more common of the overpriced vacuum cleaners you're going to see is the Filter Queen. This model is the 'Majestic Triple Crown,' but Filter Queen also makes a model called the 'Majestic 360" which you should also be aware is out there.  It's interesting to note that all Filter Queen facuums have the same general shape.

Like the Tristar vacuums I cover in other Gallery entries, this Filter Queen is a very well made vacuum that has really great suction. But come on! A +$1000 vacuum, and I still have to wrap the darned cord around the top of the machine?

Like all the rest of the expensive vacuums, to the untrained eye our Filter Queen Majestic Triple Crown is just another one of the Hoovers and Dirt Devils, worth maybe $20 or so used. This is good news for you because eBay is full of people who really know what these machines cost and will pay you very good money for these vacuums. Now... for a couple of warnings.

First of all, until you're very aware of this vacuum's profile, you'd be advised to stick with the model pictured here. Filter Queen has been making vacuum cleaners for a long time, and although their older models look a lot like the Majestic, they're not worth nearly as much, no matter what condition they're in.

Second, always check the attachments! There should be several just like the ones pictured below, along with a carpet power head. The power head is the really big deal here, because you don't want to get home with your newly-bought Majestic - or any other vacuum, for that matter - only to discover that it's not going to bring what you thought because you're missing the singly most important attachment!

Finally, notice that the Filter Queen has lots of chrome on it, and much of that chrome is on the top. This means that as dust settles onto this chrome and starts to hold moisture, this chrome can eventually rust. Be very careful here, unless it's something very light that can be cleaned off completely with chrome polish. A Filter Queen with pitted or rusted chrome will not bring what a bright, shiny example will! This vacuum sold on eBay for $245.