Kimberly,
You say that you're having trouble with your old White, have you cleaned and oiled it lately? Changed the needle?
I have 2 older(30-22yrs old) Berninas, the 930 and 1031. They are mechanical machines, never had any problems with them. I also have a Pfaff 1222E, another great machine; most of the machines sold today can be fussy. I used to sell new machines, just don't like them as well as what I sew with now.
I much prefer older machines that have all metal innards. I do most of my sewing/quilting on a treadle and just love the quality of these older machines.
Sharon in Texas