Just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who gave me feedback on the two Singers I was thinking of.
I ended up buying a nice 301 in a cabinet. The machine sews beautifully and the person I bought it from had a bunch of great accessories that I have to learn to use as well as her Mother's sewing exercise books - very cool!
Now that I'm convinced that this one's a keeper, I'll be putting that wonderful cleaning tutorial to good use. Poor little 301 - she sure needs a cleaning!