The Spartan is a good little (but not light) straight stitch machine. It would make a good starter machine or a machine for someone who just wants to stitch occassionally. There are no fancy bells or whistles (not even zig-zag). The Spartan was sold as a hard working affordable Singer. It was not their Cadillac model. In Southern Ontario you can pick up a Spartan in good condition for less than $100.