But I got my first Vita Mix in the late 1970's -- the 3600 (which they claim wasn't made till early `80's but I know where I lived when I had it -- and I'm 98% certain it was 1979). It was a 3+ HP and it did smoke when I abused it (by kneading bread dough at the high setting -- didn't read the directions). I used it off and on for years, sometimes stored it in garages or basements for a few years and forgot about it. It was exposed to bugs, animals and the elements for long periods, but when I decided to use it, it always worked. This past year I used it a lot for green drinks, smoothies, and sorbets. I like sorbets a lot and the frozen fruit is hard on the machines if they don't have enough horse power.
The green drinks and sorbets became part of my daily diet (I liked the Raw Family's "Green for Life" program) so I needed another Vita-Mix at my boyfriend's house. I bought the 5200 thinking it would be like my 3600. The 5200 is fine if it is your first Vita-Mix and you haven't experienced the 3600's higher HP, or if you don't really need the HP. I liked the metal container of the 3600 better -- I could toss it in the dishwasher anytime. It was easier to get a vortex going in the 3600 than in the 5200; I attributed that to the smaller size of the 3600 container. The 5200 worked OK, just seemed less effective, slower -- something a little dissatisfying when I filled it with frozen fruit and a bit of yogurt, or kefir, and/or fruit juice. Then one day, the 5200 went DEAD in the middle of a sorbet preparation. I was NOT happy: the 3600 has gone for 30+ years, and the 5200 died in less than a year, and was never quite doing it for me. I wanted my sorbet!
Fortunately I figured out that maybe it was like a hair dryer and had overheated from trying to grind too much frozen fruit, and I guess I didn't read the directions again, so maybe I overfilled the container. I waited 10 minutes or so, and it started up, and I've been nicer to it, babying it along, not overfilling, putting liquid in first, etc. So I guess the 2 horse power Vita-Mix works fine if you don't mistreat it. But I want to do what I do without being so careful, so I looked to see if Vita-Mix made a 3 HP and found this, and wanted it, but the money!
My 3600 lost a part -- maybe a washer and a nut -- 2 weeks ago and was leaking and the blades wouldn't turn and just fell out when I examined it. I don't know if I can get a replacement part because I don't know what I need. The power base is still working fine. I ordered the Prep 3 and it came today. I made sorbet. I can tell the difference. It may be subtle, but I'm happy paying the extra money for that difference. I'm back in business -- I can eat good food again. If you have a 5200 and like it, I don't think you would be happy to be talked into spending the extra money for this one, but if you are like me and are used to the extra power, you might want it. If you really like extra power, check out the Vita-Mix XL -- it has 4+ horse power. If only I could afford that!