A used Kirby Ultimate G Series vacuum typically costs $100-$400 in the U.S.; professionally refurbished units often run $250-$600, while sealed or unused old stock can exceed $700. The final price depends most on condition, included attachments, seller warranty, and whether the machine has been serviced.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used, working unit | $100 | $250 | $400 | Price varies with wear and included tools |
| Professionally refurbished | $250 | $425 | $600 | Ask what parts and labor are covered |
| Unused old stock | $700 | $950 | $1,300 | Availability is limited; verify condition |
| Common replacement belt | $5 | $8 | $15 | Per belt, before shipping or service |
What a Kirby Ultimate G Usually Sells For
For a typical household buyer, the practical target is $150-$350 for a functioning used Ultimate G with a working power head and a reasonable set of attachments. A clean, tested machine with service records may reach $400, while a unit missing parts or sold as-is may be below $100. The model is an older vacuum, so prices are shaped by condition and local resale supply rather than a consistent current manufacturer price.
Budget about $250 for a complete, working used machine; treat higher prices as justified only by documented service, strong condition, or meaningful warranty coverage. Refurbished pricing often includes inspection and replacement of wear items, but the word “refurbished” is not a uniform standard. Assumptions: U.S. private-party or small reseller pricing, standard attachments, and a machine that powers on.
How Attachments, Service, and Seller Coverage Affect the Quote
A seller’s asking price may include a complete accessory set, or only the vacuum and power nozzle. Compare the actual contents before treating two listings as equivalent. For an older machine, missing or worn components can add expense quickly, especially if a buyer needs a new hose, brush roll, bags, or specialized tool.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum body and power head | $100-$400 used | Motor condition, housing wear, and test results |
| Attachments and hose | $20-$150 | Completeness, compatibility, and condition |
| Basic service or tune-up | $75-$200 | Shop labor, cleaning, and parts needed |
| Bags and belt supplies | $10-$35 | Pack size, brand, and shipping |
| Warranty or return coverage | $0-$100 | Seller policy and duration of coverage |
Check whether service and attachments are included before comparing the headline price. A low-priced vacuum that needs a shop visit may cost more than a tested unit listed at a higher price. Ask for the total due, including shipping, tax, and any repair charge, rather than relying on the listing price alone.
Motor Condition, Included Tools, and Repair Needs Move the Price
Condition is the largest price driver. A working machine with steady suction, a functional power head, and no burning odor can command a substantial premium over an untested unit. Ask whether the seller has run it for at least 10 minutes, checked the brush roll, and inspected the cord and hose. A demonstration does not guarantee future reliability, but it helps identify obvious problems.
Attachment completeness also matters. A set with the hose, extension pieces, floor tools, and storage caddy is more useful than a bare machine, but buyers should confirm that each piece fits the Ultimate G model. A damaged hose or worn brush roll can require replacement; several missing pieces can add $50-$150 to the effective cost. A motor or major electrical repair can make a low purchase price uneconomical.
Price the unit by its working condition and verified contents, not by the number of accessories shown in a photo. If a listing is untested, value it as a repair project rather than assuming it needs only a belt. Ask for close-up photos of the model label and wear areas, and request a written list of included parts.
Should Buyers Pay More for Refurbished or New Old Stock
Refurbished units commonly cost $250-$600 because a seller may clean the machine, test it, and replace selected wear parts. Coverage varies: one seller may offer only a short return period, while another includes a limited parts warranty. Confirm what “refurbished” means, which components were replaced, and whether the warranty applies to labor as well as parts.
Unused old stock can be listed around $700-$1,300, but a high asking price is not proof of current retail value or future reliability. Rubber, wiring, and other aged components can deteriorate during long storage. A sealed box can also have limited return options. A comparable modern vacuum may provide updated design or easier parts access at a similar price, so compare the total package before paying a collector-style premium.
Refurbished is often the cost-conscious middle ground when the seller documents testing and provides a usable return policy. Choose old stock only after confirming the serial/model details, condition, return terms, and whether the machine has been tested despite appearing unused.
Local Listings and Shipping Create Different Final Prices
Prices are not uniform across the country. In large metro areas, more used listings can give buyers a wider selection and room to compare, while rural shoppers may face fewer local options and higher shipping expenses. As a practical budgeting estimate, allow for roughly 10%-20% variation between local markets; this is a planning range, not a fixed regional price index.
Shipping a heavy vacuum with accessories can add about $30-$100, depending on distance, packaging, and carrier. A local pickup avoids that fee and lets the buyer inspect the machine, but travel time and fuel still have value. Sales tax depends on the buyer’s location and whether the seller is required to collect it. Compare the delivered, tax-inclusive amount with local listings rather than comparing sticker prices.
For a shipped purchase, include freight and return-shipping risk in the budget before deciding that an out-of-area listing is cheaper. Request careful packing of the power head and attachments; damage in transit may be difficult to resolve if the seller’s return policy is limited.
Repairing an Existing Ultimate G Can Cost Less Than Replacing It
For an owner whose vacuum still has a healthy motor, a small repair can be far cheaper than buying another machine. A belt may cost $5-$15, and common bags generally cost about $10-$25 per pack, depending on brand and quantity. A shop inspection or tune-up may add $75-$200, with parts charged separately. Ask for an estimate before authorizing work, especially if the repair involves electrical or motor components.
Compare the repair quote with the cost of a tested replacement. Spending $100 on a minor service for a machine with a sound motor may be reasonable; a $300 repair on a worn, incomplete unit may not be. Parts availability and service capability can vary, so confirm that the shop works on this model and can source compatible parts.
Use the machine’s overall condition and a written repair estimate to decide whether service is better value than replacement. A low-priced used replacement is not automatically a bargain if it has unknown wear or lacks the attachments needed for the job.
Questions That Can Prevent an Overpriced Kirby Purchase
Before paying, ask whether the vacuum has been tested under load, when it was last serviced, and what parts were replaced. Confirm that the power head, hose, cord, and attachments work, and ask for a short video if the purchase is remote. A seller who cannot demonstrate operation should price the unit accordingly and disclose that it is untested.
Check the return window, warranty exclusions, shipping cost, and who pays return freight. For a refurbished machine, request a written breakdown of service and coverage. For private sales, assume there may be no warranty unless the seller states otherwise. Verify the model label because listings sometimes group different Kirby generations together, even though parts and accessory compatibility may differ.
A fair quote should identify the exact model, included components, operating condition, and final delivered price. Comparing those details across two or three listings is more useful than choosing the lowest advertised figure. If a seller will not answer basic condition questions, the uncertainty should be reflected in a lower offer.