I've had the Ninja for about 6 years now, ebb's and flow's with usage when I go through green smoothie phases. It's holding up, but I can say I totally want the Vitamix too!!! Why? .... for the reasons listed above. But do I need it??? - no, mine works just fine. So, I will use the Ninja until it tells me its time, then hope there is a kick ass coupon/sale/promo that might reel me into the Vitamix in the future. I know it will last a very long time, and has more uses than the Ninja (ex, Vitamix can make peanut/almond butter - the Ninja cannot because of blade placement AND it simply does not get anything completely smooth).