For the three vintage machines I got recently I had them all serviced. I found a place that will do it for $65. I think I can oil them myself now. My older singer that I got in 1964 (I think a 327) has only been serviced a few times in it's life. And it hasn't ever been a problem. The cheapy Brother from Costco in the $100 range has had the most use in the 7 years since I got it, and has never been serviced - I did put a drop or two of oil where I thought it should go, and cleaned out the bobbin case once after the flannel/chenille quilt. This little machine is a workhorse.