I agree, totally. The saying "You get what you pay for" especially applies to sewing machines. There are plenty of good used machines out there, but the advantage of buying a new machine from a dealer, outweighs buying a good used machine. Warranty for one. Most new machines have a 25 yr. warranty. Service for two. You get service geared to your specific machine. Try getting that from Walmart. Free classes for 3. A person can learn to quilt, make clothes, etc., etc., and the people teaching the classes know your machine and what it can and can't do. I know the frustration a person experiences when a machine behaves badly and I did now want my granddaughter to go through that. It was worth it to me to get her a good machine from the get-go. It's not like you're buying a toy that they'll lose interest in next week. This is a machine that will last beyond its 25 yr. warranty. It is an investment in their future sewing interests.