I think that 1630 owners (like me) are some of the most devoted sewing machine users in the world. I have had mine since 1994, and would never replace it, though I have had it repaired a couple of times (nothing major). I have been very surprised to see a few listed for sale on the Yahoo list Sew It's for Sale. They have been listed for only $600 to $650, and I have considered buying a "spare." Regarding the Bernina shop in Wilmington, NC, I can also attest that they really know what they are doing. Maybe because they went to training so recently, maybe another reason, but whatever--they know their stuff! Good luck.