I have had an Elna SU for about 36 years...same model, just a few years newer than the one my mom has had for 43 years!!! Both are still going strong. My mom, my sister and I all sewed clothing on hers, and my dad did quilting on it for 30 years before he passed. I sewed 8-10 hours, 6 days a week for my bread and butter for about 20 years on mine. Now I am quilting with it. As long as it keeps running, I will hang onto it. My "dream" machine is the Bernina 830. That will be my gift to me from my mom after she passes.
There are so many good choices out there now, you will have such fun making your decision!!!
Patti