I spent $550 on an Elna 686 back in 2007. Was a fair bit of money to me then. It's nice to have for hemming and going around the quilt before putting the binding on, but honestly I could totally do without it. Now there's a Babylock Lauren serger with a free arm, $299 promo. Very basic, but would be more useful to me. But would rather spend $300 on vintage sewing machines. If only they'd take my Elna in an even swap!