Black & Decker ProBlend BL5000 5-Speed Blender

I bought this blender in January 2005. While I was disappointed with its inability to crush ice effectively, I was happy with the modern style and it worked well enough for my main use - which is making smoothies. However, recently the blender started leaking inexplicably from the bottom. No amount of tightening helped - I've learned from another review that the plastic housing is probably the problem. I've also had a piece of the plastic base break off during blending and nearly choked on it. Completely not usable at this time. Doesn't help that it's very loud either.