In the late 70's I bought a Singer, sewed a lot and then in the late 80's I was having a problem with it. I took it in and the guy told me I wore it out, seems it was all plastic inside. So I asked him if he had anything that was still metal and ended up with what I use now, it says Husqvarna Viking 630 Made in Sweden. I didn't want anything with plastic in it and I didn't want anything with a computer in it, I just wanted to sew. It goes for cleaning every few years, haven't really had any problems with it.
I'm kind of yearning for a machine that does that stitch that resembles hand sewing on an applique, we'll see.
15 yrs ago Joann's had a bunch of cone thread 3/$1. I bought a bunch and still use it. I'm sure there's better quality stuff out there, but I figure if it ain't broke, don't fix it