I want it, but I am unsure. What do you think?

Juki TL98E
-several years old
-never been serviced
-has been sitting for a few years

pros:
- low enough price that I can afford to buy a more expensive frame which would be good if I later decide to get a longer machine.
- not made in China like the current batch of 98s

cons:
- fear of the unknown!

Someone tell me what to do!!

can you have it checked out first? or take it home and try it....the one thing I noticed about my juki....it needs to be oiled frequently...metal/on/metal and runs fast so must be oilded. They are a good machine

I think I'd ask to take it to a "mechanic" to have it checked out...much like you would a used car. It might cost you a bit to have him tell you yes or no, but it might also save some heartache and bigger dollars...

I have a Juki TL98E and I love it! I bought it new about 7 years ago off ebay for $699, free shipping. It has the knee lift and the thread cutter which I love! If you get a chance, give it a good test drive. This machine of mine is a Workhorse! I love it for piecing, and you can get a variety of feet for it very cheap on eBay. You do need to oil it every 8-hour usage, but I highly recommend this machine.(As long as your test drive works out okay). It also does good for free motion quilting, there is plenty of room. I used it on my HandiQuilter, too. I guess if the price is right, it might be worth a try. Good luck!

I did ask the seller if I could have it checked out first and she agreed at first, though now seems to be saying that I have to decide after I test drive it. But she might just be getting annoyed because of my hesitance. I suppose I could always pay a repair guy to go with me to look at it...

If I can't find someone to look at it with me -- I don't happen to know anyone, though I will ask around -- if it sews well when I try it, does that mean that it will be smooth sailing? Anything I should look for? Any questions I should ask?

The machine comes as a package deal with a GMQ Pro and a quilter's cruise control (not sure I need that, but it is an all or nothing deal).

depends on price....I have mine on a grace frame but no cruise control....sounds like she really wants to sell it

This machine is all mechanical which means it will be easy to maintain. If the price is right then I'd buy it.

I would ask to take it to a place to have it checked out. Especially if you don't know what to look for. As it hasn't been serviced in eons, I would be very careful.
I sewed on a Phaff 545, it was my only sewing machine I ever had and owed in my Upholstery shop. Maintenance is key to its long life.

Wow, I just looked it up, that's quite the machine. I paid 60 bucks for my Janome 11543 and a 100 bucks for my Singer 132q. Both do exactly what I need. :)

Well, I just talked to someone who will go with me to look at the machine. He does machine repair as a sideline and is very reasonably priced. He said that Jukis were fabulous, reliable machines until the switched manufacturing to China in 2008 and that now he doesn't have as much confidence in the brand. Which makes this machine more appealing to me than a new one.

So, um, everyone keeps saying "if the price is right." How do I know what the right price for this machine is?