Derla, Singer 99s sew beautifully. Have a look at my thread "Look at this bobbin winder" - I've now got the machine sewing and it is brilliant. I don't know about sewing machine motors (strictly hand machines or treadles in this house!) but cleaning up a machine is not that difficult. I taught myself because I either had to pay £35 to a repair man or do without, and I couldn't possibly do without!