As the daughter of one of the best salesmen whoever lived I can tell you the warranty is Very important. You can get a great machine that is used, but it is so important to buy one from a dealer who has reconditioned it and stands behind their warranty. So research your local dealers first then the brands of machines they sell. Good luck & get your brother fixed first. Use this experience to check out a dealer you're interested in and if you have a working machine you will be more patient in your search for a more advanced machine.