Vacumm Extractor
I have a Hoover steam cleaner/extractor that has a hand attachment that's pretty good at cleaning the carpets. Cost a lot less than $500. Are you looking for a professional steam cleaner??
Or maybe you're talking about an oil extractor?? If so, there have been many threads on this subject in some of the other forums).
If you're just looking for something to use on your own personal car, I think any good quality carpet cleaner with a hand held attachment should work. I wouldn't worry about heating the water as you can always just fill it with hot water & cleaning solution. We have a Hoover cleaner (probably paid around $200 about 6 years ago) and it does a great job. I've yet to have a stain that I haven't been able to remove. I clean my carpets about twice each year.
If you're looking for a machine to use commercially, well that would be different.
Maybe someone else will pop in with a suggestion.


