I bought 2 Vita Mix 4000 Maxies on Ebay this summer and have been very happy with them. I believe these were the last stainless steel container models w/ spout and forward and reverse blade action marketed in the early to mid-90s. I paid less than $200 each for them. I found one locally that I bid on, won and picked it up and avoided the shipping charges. The other was shipped only about 400 miles. I looked for units where I could bid at the last minute and were in my general geographic area. These old units have chrome bases and stainless containers, so they are quite heavy. They came with all the accessories incl recipe book, tamper, and video. They were in excellent condition, one seemed new. Patience is the key. I watched every unit for sale on ebay and checked for new ones frequently. I think the interest is intermittent and prices rise and fall with this interest. Almost all the parts are available from the manufacturer, expect to replace the gasket on the container lids frequently. The 3600 and 3600 plus are about the same, but less powerful (I think?) I had wanted a vitamix for some time but had not seen any in local yard sales or fleamarkets and ebay seems to have a dozen or more for sale at any one time. I work for a non-profit so paying $500 or more was out of the question. Good luck with your search.  | 
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