I know I'm going to probably get slammed for this one but here goes.....what's new......rofl. I have had my Singer since 1979 and it has gone through a lot of sewing since then. The gears are encased with oil as per the instruction book that came with it, it never needs oiling. I keep the lint out of it myself on a regular basis and it is a workhorse. It has never (thank the Lord) seen the inside of a shop.
I just cleaned and oiled my aunt's 1960 - something Singer Touch and Sew and it sews beautifully........still and I know she worked it on a regular basis.
Love my Singers! I have to say though, I just bought my daughter a brand new Janome under $200 and fell in love with that one myself......lol!