Advice about Vitamixers, please

[hd883scooter]

Well, my birthday (and it's a biggie, folks!) is a couple of months off and hubby has offered to get me a Vitamixer. With the little bit of research that I have done, can anyone offer any advice about what they might recommend? My intention is use it for smoothies and other raw vegan applications. There will be no grain grinding, etc. Any information or suggestions that you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Be well.:)

[belleadonna]

I got the 5000. Cheaper and suits my needs. I found one for $310, free shipping.

[shelzyrose]

I am using my dad's Vitamix from 1979--and it still works like a charm. I use it for green smoothies.