I bought my Bernina in 1975 for $555.45, which seemed like a fortune at the time. I regularly clean and oil it. I also have had it professional adjusted about 3 or 4 times. It's absolutely the best machine I could ask for. I highly recommend a Bernina, and since they are so dependable, if you can find a used one, treat it like gold. The biggest secret is to clean and oil it REGULARLY. And once you are familiar with your own machine, why switch? I think you will find that we all love our own machines and recommend them. Shop around enough that you know what you want. S.