You're probably looking at spending $600. I saw one once for $500 on sale at a Costco in the U.S. but that was a while back. I was considering one so I did a bunch of research, read reviews, watched side-by-side comparisons, asked around, and ended up buying an Oster Versa for half the price. It's apparently comparible to the Vitamix and it comes with a 7 year warranty. I've used it every day for months and it's still kicking ass. I've made smoothies, dips, and ice cream with it. It can do anything a Vitamix can do. I got mine at Costco for $300. Given that you want the new smaller Vitamix, maybe you wouldn't like the Versa, but it's a sturdy beast!
http://www.costco.ca/Oster%C2%AE-Ver...100127786.html