I've bought a refurbished/renewed Dyson stick off Dyson.com's website. Just click on where it says "Dyson Renewed" on their site. They actually have quite a few models available right now. I think I got my V8 for about $200.
I'm looking to buy an affordable lightweight, powerful cordless stick vacuum. I can't afford a Dyson so I'm looking in the +/- $200 or less range. I just want to attach it to and plug it into the wall in my garage so I grab it to quickly to vacuum the crumbs from the kitchen floor and cat messes/ hairballs, not a whole house vacuuming job - I have a corded, heavy upright for that. Any recommendations or models that you have been happy with?