Didn't really see a thread that asks this directly. Curious what everyone owns and uses on their cars; brand/type (and specs if you know it) info would also help for shopping around.

 

I found a Shark hand-held vacuum at Bed Bath & Beyond. Regular price was only $15, and I had a coupon for $5 off. It has the power of a full-size vac.
The suction is truly incredible for such a small unit. It stands out in the store, as it is a beautiful candy red color.
Two thumbs up....

 

Shop vac 4 gallon 5 hp model, $70 at home depot

 

MetroVac - it is worth the investment.

-GT

 

I bought the "ShopVac" 1 gal. It is small, easy to move and store and it holds enough to do several vacs on the car. I think it was less than $20 at Target.

 

Get a shop vac. it's unbelieveable how strong they are, it'll pick up basically anything you put in front of it. I've got a 5.5HP 12gal model, yeah it's loud, yeah it's big but does it ever suck. Most shop vacs come with a 2.5" hose which is a bit too big to clean the interior of your car, but they do sell an adapter kit that uses a 1.25" hose which is more manageable.

 

I'm a big fan of the Metro Vac n Blo. Its portable, light weight, small, powerful, lots of good attatchments. I have a shop vac but it takes up so much more space and only has big attatchments.

 

does the metro vacuum work with water (is it a wet/dry one)? And does it use a filter or vacuum bags?

 

Its not made for water though and it doesn't have bags. It has a two stage filter with a pocket that collects the debris. Its very easy to clean and you also don't have to replace filters or any of that stuff.

 

Big Craftsman shop vac. I find that most of the smaller vacs, though portable, don't do a great job. Also, the rocks and crap won't damage the shop vac.

I've heard good things about the Shark for a portable to keep in the trunk.

 

+1.. heard this thing is the exotics of vaccums... then get a dyson for the home