Havplenty

I guess I shoulda asked these questions here instead of the main thread. But please see below as I could use your expertise.

I have a coupla questions for you vintage singer owners. I am going tomorrow to look at a Singer 301A that was listed on Craigslist and the seller is asking $80 or best offer. When I spoke with the seller today he didn't know the overall condition of the machine but said that he knew it was used over one year ago and has been stored in his garage since then. He only wants it gone.

My questions are: What is an averge selling price of a Singer 301A today? What particular things should I look for when inspecting the machine? Would I be out of line to offer him $60 or less? Is $80.00 a fair price? Anything I need to look out for? Any attachments that should come with this particular machine as I know it slant needle machine? Any help you all can provide is much appreciated.

jljack

OK, first of all, that is probably close to a fair price if all the following are there: Paint is not peeling from anywhere...these machines sometimes got aluminum rot. The Bobbin case is there. It has some feet. It has the power cord and the foot pedal (2 pieces). No deep scratches or dings. The cabinet alone is probably worth the $60 you want to offer, as cabinets for 301s are very hard to find.

You can offer less to begin with...he may take it! But I would pay the $80 willingly!!

cabbagepatchkid

I think that is a good price and I would pay it. Be VERY careful, though, because once you get your first 301 then you will realize how much you love it and then you will find yourself looking for the other 2 colors of 301's....black and mocha.... .....not to mention the different sized beds on the different versions.

neenee586

I would pay $80 for that. One thing I do before looking at anything on CL, I ask if the price is negotiable. Most of the time they say yes. Peeps who don't know anything about repairing/servicing a unit have no idea what that cost can add up to be. You will love this machine!

Havplenty

the seller didnt list firm price in his listing he just said he wants it out of his garage. i couldnt understand everything he was saying but i heard that he wants it gone.

everyone thanks for your comments. i have two 15-91's that need new wires. i saw a tute on how to replace the wires so i will try it on one of them to see how it goes. repairs, if needed, can add significantly to the price.

mighty

I think it is a fair price. I have a 301A and love it, they are really good machines.

miriam

I've seen $150 around here and then gone pretty quick. I've seen $300 and still around. $80 is a good price. Nice table. You can't buy a new one that will do what that one will do for that money. The quality of the new ones is not there. Check it over to be sure it has the bobbin case and test to see if it sews.

Mariposa

I have a two-tone, and I paid more for mine than $80. I'd take it in a heartbeat! Love the cabinet too!

Annaquilts

yes get it

Havplenty

thanks will check for the bobbin case. there are quite a few vintage machines for sell in my area on craigslist, lots of singers, many treadles, 66's, 15-91's, many vintage whites, kenmores. sew many and they are ranging in price from $50 to $350+. a vintage machine collector/buyer would have a field day here right now.