. I have only had it 5 years! I will be praying for a new one, but I don't have the money right now - I do cakes for free. No more cake for me until I get one 
I was helping a very good friend's almost 13 year old help make fondant - she has made some before on her own and is very good in the kitchen. We made one batch together and we were almost done with the 2nd batch & I had to go pick up my daughter 5 minutes away - she assured me she would be fine and I reminded her of what she needed to know. When I got back I could smell the motor 
. I didn't check it at that time, but waited until she was gone - it would start up if you messed with the "arm", but it was grinding - I think something bent internally. I had to borrow my church's stand mixer to finish my pastor's cake for Thursday - it is a Kitchenaid pro 5? I hated it - I had to scrap a batch of FMBC because I thought the meringue was set up and it wasn't, so had to do it over!!! Mine was definitely more powerful and took way less time! I had a Wolfgang Puck Cafe collection 5 quart - I sure miss her
I can't do what I do with a hand mixer - I make my own fondant, and even though it is humanly possible to make FMBC with a hand mixer - I am NOT going there. My arm couldn't take holding that thing up for that long to make a stiff meringue, etc, etc. I am looking for good deals, would even take a used one - so I'll keep looking! Thanks for all the support guys - I appreciate it - I knew you would understand 
Why don't you try craigslist or your local classifieds. I'll bet you can find a new if not nearly new mixer. Might not be the same brand.
I had a disaster about six months ago during orders. My KA gear went out.(Over worked them) 
I found a local service center that quoted me close to $100 to fix it, but my DH is very handy. DH bought the part for $10 and fixed my KA. He's a God send 
Good Luck
cakeymom
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