I have American Tourister..bought during sale at Isetan..use it less than 5 times.. koyak d. Its the fabric type. I bought a Samsonite fabric one after that.. it is very obvious that Samsonite one is way better quality and American Tourister, although both same company.

Suggest you pony up the $ and buy Samsonite.

I'm not complaining. Just stating the FACT. The quality of the fabric on the Samsonite is indeed better. I bought the American Tourister in the beginning thinking that it is adik Samsonite so quality should be good. Well, didn't live up to MY expectations.

I bought mine 2 years back, not sure if the quality is same as your 5 year old one. Luggage companies been skimping lately, e.g. Tumi no longer offers lifetime warranty.