Bought my Viking '500' almost 15 years ago. She goes into the shop every year for her physical and has never needed a repair. The man who does the work at the local Viking shop said that if he had to rely on the '500' to eat, he'd be a skinny man.
Sewing Machine dealers are like car dealers.......something about not wanting to admit that there may be another brand that rivals theirs. My answer to those people is "Aren't we lucky to have both out there to our choice".