another miele fan here, hated the dyson and the first hoover with the miele when we first got it was mortifying as I didn't realise how crap the dyson was

And miele expect all their products to last for 20 years

And the suction is excellent.

I also have 4 dcs and used to have a dyson but I was sick of bits breaking off it and also having no cable rewind. I now have a miele, the blue hepa one, same as a cat and dog. The build quality is far superior. AS for the bags, I only use about one every month and it is so nice to just lift the bag out and throw it in the bin instead of tipping a cylinder upside down and the dust going everywhere. Also, I thought the dyson looked very dirty because of the clear cylinder full of dirt.
I would definitely recommend Miele.

The miele red pearl is a ltd edition at the moment and is around £180 and guaranteed for 5 years, the different models refer to whether there are electronic suction controls or a turn the dial thing and which heads they come with.

We've got a Miele cat and dog (and a black cat who leaves her fur everywhere). The Miele is ace.
I second buying the bags in bulk (but based on Cargirls post I might check out Tescos in future).
Ours went wrong in its first year but Miele fixed it very promptly and it's been fine ever since.

yes, what bessmum said, sebo way better than my old dyson

What Bessmum said.

Our Tesco sells non official meile bag £2.60 ish for 5 or 6

Oh yes... Miele Cat & Dog is fab. I don't know what our old Dyson was like when it was new, but in the last few years of its life when I knew it, it was hopeless.

(Consider bulk-buying the bags from a specialist website - a lot cheaper and more convenient).