"Wow, the cost for the part and shipping is almost double what I paid for the machine."
To keep things in context gave very little for my Hoover TT as well. In fact IIRC it was < $50 or maybe even less than $20 USD. Shipping OTOH (via UPS) came to far more than what one paid for the machine.
Off the bat needed a new pump and some other bits so yes, in end spent far more afterwards than what it cost for machine. But isn't it that always how this hobby of ours goes?
Few if anything arrives totally "plug and play" do they?
The Miele needed new hoses and boot seal.
AEG Lavamat needed hoses, new feet, transportation struts, and other bits.
So there you are then....
By nature if one is going after "vintage" or whatever appliances then it isn't totally unexpected the things are going to want looking after upon arrival. Same can be said for those who collect a vast array of things; from vintage autos to guns.
Happily one did get the Hoover TT while spares were a bit more plentiful and not so dear. Also over years after it arrived have kept eyes peeled for the odd things that pop up.
As one said did offer up things from that box of Hoover spares in one's stash. There was little interest at the time so haven't bothered since. Did sell one or two bits later on (pump and IIRC a hose), but those were to members who needed specific parts for units they recently acquired.