I have an Elna Super I received as a gift in 1972. I've had it in for cleaning once and she sews like a champ. Mine is metal and heavy, haven't seen any of the newer ones. My Janome is plastic and lighter, but I've only had it a bit over a year...it works well too. Make sure you get lessons on the machine and make sure whoever is getting the machine takes those lessons so you can utilize your machine to the fullest.