I wouldn't do it.

You can do most of the maintenance yourself.

Search Google for: how to maintain __model name__ sewing machine

Clean it

Lubricate it

Change needles frequently

well duh! why didn't I think of googling maint? I finally did and took me to the Brother website that has all kinds of good info. It does look like it's time for a dealer overhaul but I will call them tomorrow to see if they have a basic maint list. From what I've read so far, changing needles often and keeping it dust/lint free is most of the work. I may have DH use his handy blower and clean it up for me. I have edited my OP for price as it cost more like $400, still $150 seems steep. I'm not doing that just yet. Y'alls info was very helpful, TY

Oh darn, it can't edit. oh well

Please don't use a blower or the cans of compressed air on the sewing machine. You'll only push the lint and fluff deeper into the machine. There are attachments that fit most vacuum cleaners that are great for cleaning electronics and sewing machines. There may be other repair facilities that will do a basic tune up for far less than $150. Try it yourself, it's not hard.

DH used reg compressor w/ air blowing nozzle. It was quite linty.

I am going to pick up my machine soon. It is costing me approximately $220 to clean and repair a 28 year old machine. But like the original poster. I love that machine. The gears were worn out and it had never been serviced. I could have purchased a new one for what I am paying, but it has two features I love and one that is no longer on machines. It has an automatic tension and it has a drop in bobbin winder. I love that drop in bobbin winder which is no longer on machines. I thought if I am going to have a like new machine, why should it matter if I spent the same money to have the old one repaired if it has the features I love and I don't have to worry about learning a new machine and it fits perfectly in the cabinet.

That's just me.

$220 amortized over 28 years is...uhhhh, not much, a little less than $8 a year. Pretty good deal, I think

No, they recommend you bring it yearly

Is there anything wrong with your little machine? If not, why take it in? Just give it a good blowout and a drop of oil where specified and you should be good to go.

You really cannot expect TOO much from it. But, if it suits your needs, and makes you happy that is all you need.

After burning through a Bernina, I am sewing on my mothers old Singer Rockeeter. I would not even entertain the idea of buying anything with the Singer name on it anymore. But , this one is as old as me and it is a great machine. I also have a serger for more modern techniques.

I learned to sew at my Grandmothers knee and part of that education was how to clean, adjust and maintain any machine I used.

I don't know who or when or how it was decided that a person needed to send their machine off for 3 weeks so somebody could take out 5 screws, apply oil at the appropriate points,reinsert those 5 screws and collect 150$. Maybe they were counting on people to just purchase a new machine?

Anyway, here is a link to the service manual.

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/847645/Brother-Xr9000.html

It covers a total tear down,which is more than most people need. There is a clear section on oiling, belt replacement is more complicated but doable. If the machine is behaving fine then a clean out and oiling is all that is needed.

I have the Brother SQ9000, a little over 5 years old and I sew the dickens out of that machine. Twice a year it gets popped open, cleaned and oiled. It still sews like new. In between tear downs it gets vacuumed out after every full bobbin is sewed through. For a 200$ machine you can't beat the functionality ,the one step button hole is right up there with sliced bread :)

And here is a link about why to not blow out a machine. This is pretty extreme and of course they want you to bring it in for service.

http://weallsew.com/how-to-remove-lint-from-your-sewing-machine/

Chicken mama those are extremely useful threads, which I'll save for future reference.

best buy on amazon.com . best reviews of a low-price machine . all in all a goo deal: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Feature-Rich-Stitches-Auto-Size-Buttonholes/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1464220165&sr=1-1&keywords=brother+sewing+machine