Hi Steve
Extracta products is also in my area. I purchased an Extracta Excel about a year ago. Have done work for family and friends and have currently started up in business, using the machine nearly everyday. Have replaced one vacuum motor recently £295, valve on hand tool £43 and now my psi switch is broke. Will find out how much that will cost tomorrow morning. Keep in mind got six months warranty with my vacuum motor which is not alot of warranty for the price, also have another motor which could possibly go at any time and a service costs £230 + VAT by Extracta. The machine is very heavy for a one man operator, keeping in mind I am 6ft 3ins and just as wide, recommend extension hosed as a must. Whatever you read or whatever you see the Excel will not fit in any hatchback vehicle. You will need a big vehicle as I have recently experienced. I am also wondering myself if I would of been better off buying a Ninja but for the same reason as you Extracta is on the doorstep and quite handy for advice and chemicals. Would love to go on some of the training courses such as prochem/NCCA but they are too far away. Just my views, you will just have to be like me and wait for some of the more experienced members opinions which are worth waiting for.
Jimmy