Love my Viking Husqvarna - - it's 21 years old and still going strong. Have you thought about going to that dealer and see if s/he sells trade ins?

I think I'd stay away from the Kenmore, Brother and other department store machines.

Donna

A good used Bernina will still last her a lot of years. I bought mine new, but have had my machine since about 1985, it has made hundred of garments, and has never been in the shop. I had to call the dealer once and she told me how to fix it. It's a workhorse.

Go online to Singer and they have most user's guides are available online. I would clean the machine well and oil it. The machine may work well then as I was given a 1968 Singer and the person said it did not work correctly after a good cleaning and oiling it now does. I agree with soonergrandma, I love my bernina. The shop where I got mine does sell used machines where the owners have traded up to another machine and they are great deals. Enjoy shopping.

I bought my Bernina over 10 years ago for $1000. it was half price because Bernina was coming out with a new line and the shop owner wanted to make room in her shop for the new line. I have seen Bernina half price when they just want to get rid of older models. Call around. I drove an extra hour but saved half of the price and my machine is still wonderful. They also sometimes have machines that others have traded in. I don't reccomend buying a used machine from ebay. You can get something good from a reputable dealer for 1000.

you can get the sewing machine under 500$ worldwide in this price at http://www.geminy.in/

Why are we posting things from over three year ago???

Cuz they're advertising. I reported it, but it's still there, I guess. : (