12 Gal. 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet Dry Vac HD1200

That’s what I suggested too. They have a Rigid on sale for $99 at Home Depot.

If you want decent power, just stick to corded. If it’s mainly for the car, I recommend a shop vac (aka wet/dry vacuum). They usually have good power and if you ever have something like water or construction debris, you can just use the shop vac. I personally like to use a bag for extra filtration because it prevents the filter from clogging up and losing suction. I stick to OEM bags for my “indoor” vacuums, but I don’t think it’s worth the extra cost given the use case. Edit: if you’re in the US and have a Home Depot nearby, they have this [Rigid](https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Gal-5-0-Peak-HP-NXT-Shop-Vacuum-Wet-Dry-Vac-with-General-Debris-Filter-Locking-Hose-and-Attachments-HD1200-HD1200/304006023?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl) on sale. That’s a go-to brand Again, given that it’s mainly going to be used for your car, you should be more than okay to use third party bags. Just look up “VF3502 bags” on Amazon.

Is it? A standard contractor grade ridgid 12 gallon is generally under a hundred bucks and they can handle anything.

The cheapest is $40 unit from HD that sits on a 5 gallon bucket. Best value is a Ridgid, I have 2 corded and cordless in 12 gallon. The new Dewalt is said to be the quietest. I've owned the first 2.

Go to the pawn shop and get a construction vac (wet/dry vacuum). Never have to worry about suction, never have to worry about the mess to be picked up, bag or canister, works on any surface. Usually it'll be a Home Depot Rigid, so attachments and bags will be easy to find. And if you're really lazy, you can go a year or more without emptying. Like you might need to change the filter first. Oh! And it uses HEPA filters.

Miele. But if I had the room for it, I’d love to have a vintage Electrolux or a Hoover just for show. Edit: of course a RIGiD NXT shop vac as well. This is one case where the Home Depot house brand gets really good reviews. I also a VersaMatic left over from a previous place, which I don’t use. Not sure if they’re still made? Or maybe no longer imported into US? They’re great if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, which I don’t anymore. It’s a “hotel vacuum”. A skinny upright that can slide under furniture.

I currently have several but my Milwaukee m18 pack out vac gets the most use. It’s pricey but awesome. After that, ridgid makes really nice ones. Go for about 5hp and the smaller hose for general house cleaning.

In my experience if you’re going corded, Rigid are probably the best shop vacs I’ve seen. I have a couple of the corded/cordless combo Dewalt vacs that are really handy for small stuff on the move but if you want a bit more power go Rigid