I love my older ones. I just got my 403a that I purchased this weekend back from the sewing machine repair guy. He gave her a good tune up and she sews like a dream. I also have a 15-91 that I use to sew dh's jeans, cover alls, coats and other heavy things. I haven't got to use my 66-16 yet because dh is rewiring it but I love the looks of it. The older machines are great machines. They will last. I now they are going to out last my Decor Computer Janome.