I"ve had two Elnas over the past 30 years and no problems on either of them till then end of life for the first one when, after 20 years I started having tension problems that couldn't be fixed...got a good deal on a new one and it was the option I took. I also have a small Janome for travel and the two are made by the same company. If I purchase a large machine again it will be either an Elna or a Janome.