No.

The old ones have exactly the same motor and are exactly as powerful. The motor bearings and brushes and the speed control knob and especially the bearing on the container all wear out over time.

The newer ones have a slow-start control that is nice so food doesn't splatter everywhere. If you bring them up to speed too fast they make a mess.

$170: no way. Maybe $50.

I got one for $20 at a thrift store. We had to replace a piece recently. I’d say $20-50 max but not $170.

I'm really having a hard time finding anything worth purchasing, I'm not in the US and people here have EXTREMELY inflated prices, and even old units are around 300 USD or basically what they costed back then, when they were new, or right away a scam since there are people who list some of them in a suspiciously remote location for a suspiciously appealing price. Think I'll just save some money and pull the trigger on a new or refurb model.

Where are you located?

In the caribbean

This isn't the Antiques Roadshow nor is there a Kelly Blue Book on appliances. This is a YOU question based on your finances and your idea of worth for a 2005 appliance. I just dropped $1000 on 20 year old car seats which was worth it. Are they worth it to you?

Not at all, I don't even have a car lol

Thanks for the heads up, I'll maybe look at the new models, I'll try to grab a refub one

And yet they got some good advice (your comment notwithstanding).

Any yet you came here to give me sideways advice on my comment and not give OP advice. Live your life better...help those who ask for help.

I didn't "come here" give you advice, I was just reading comments, and yours was special. And I didn't need to give OP any advice, OP had already been helped, by other people.

If you’re looking for a newer one, you can check the Amazon returns section

I’d recommend getting a reconditioned Vitamix 5200 from the Vitamix website.

It comes with a 5 year warranty but you can purchase extra.

$330 but will last a very long time and you’re covered if anything does happen.

The 5200 is the best blender. The new upgraded versions are the same hardware with extra buttons you never use.

Thanks a LOT for the advise, I'll just wait and get one of those, do you know any place where I can track deals in the Vitamix website to not have to periodically check ?

Well bless your heart.

No idea about that, but they do get posted on Amazon sometimes.

I’d save up a little and buy once instead of getting a cheaper blender.

Vitamix are on another level.

Don’t know if it’s worth $170 but I’m still using my 5000 from 2001.

I remember there’s a thing with older Vitamixes where they shed tiny plastic pieces into the food. Some Sauce

Thanks for this, I'll better look into newer models then, not that this is a deal breaker, just gives me one more reason to go for a newer model