Peaches - did you notice this happen by sound changing in the engine or from not being able to pick stuff up with it anymore?
My guess already is faster and easier to go new. There are a few small, simple and cheap vacuum problems but it doesn't sound like you've got one of them.
I've had a couple Hoover windtunnel self drive with bag, air filters, the works. We're pretty hard on vacuums here (running over the cord, lots of thick carpet, etc) and the Mrs. and I have no compaint about them at all. (just for another opinion) Hoover carries quite a few variations and models, they really play with their options so it may be a little tricky finding
just the options you're looking for on the first shot.
Tell us how your sucking issue works out
