Christine-

I found a Bernina 240 on craigslist, but is this price reasonable?
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/art/3061300418.html

I looked on ebay for a price comparison, but there aren't any 240s listed. I did find 220s and they are merely a few hundred. Is the 240 that much different than a 220?

Candace

Did you check ebay's closed auctions? Listed auctions really aren't such a good gauge of the going rate. It's closed auctions that tell you what people are paying.

quiltstringz

I couldn't see what the pricing was. There isn't that much difference between the 2 machines, one has a few more stitches but not that many.

decky

Can you ask a Bernina dealer if that is a good price.

Christine-

Yes, I checked only the closed auctions. If you click on the "looked on ebay for a price comparison" it's a link to the closed auctions for Bernina Activa 240.

Thanks for the info about the differences in machines. I'm thinking it's way over priced, if a 220 goes for $400 average, and the 240 only has a few more stitches. $1800 could be the price she paid for it maybe? If the 240 has the hands-free do-hickey, whereas the 220 doesn't... that might make up for a bit of price difference but I'm thinking $1800 is still too high.

I have a Bernina 640 and I'm not familiar with the Activa machines. I'm trying to help a friend buy a Bernina for quilting... and she's on a tight budget.

quiltstringz

I wouldn't be paying $1800 for a 240 - that is more like retail and there are many reasons not to buy used if paying close to retail - how do you know if it sews?, the warranty is only for original purchaser (biggie - not a big deal if getting for a couple of hundred), etc. I believe that Activia was the model name before they went to Artista, as with the I would definitely keep looking!

sewgray

The 200 series is no longer made. The price asked is about what it sold for new. If it's new and she never used it why doesn't she have the manual? They are 3/4 size machines and great to take to class as they weigh about 17 llbs. I'm not completley sure but I think the 240 is the only one of that series made in Switzerland. Personnaly I probably wouldn't pay more than $800

The Activa's and the Artista's are two completly different animals. The artista's are a full size machine, weigh about 30 to 35 llbs and are built like a tank. They also have many more bells and whistles. I know because I have one.

Christine-

Thank you so much! I knew the quilting board would have the answers! You're the best!

aborning

Do NOT buy this machine. It is way overpriced! I just bought a very slightly used Bernina 230 from the LQS and I paid $695 for it. (And LQS stores around here usually sell their used machines for a high price compared to ebay). For $1800, you could be buying a 440 on ebay. I had one of those that I just sold and the 440 is a much heavier machine and has more options--such as teh BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator).

mltquilt

Too much for a 240. Check with your area Bernina dealer to see what they have in the way of used machines.

mltquilt