Singer truly has gone by wayside. Too bad. I have the last machine they made with metal gears - Singer Touch n' Sew. Someone told me never to get rid of it and I haven't. I don't use it much because at the moment my foot pedal is missing. DD has it packed away somewhere because she's moving and she had been storing it for me. I currently use an Elna Quilter's Pro which I love. Unfortunately, they are out of business.
My hubby fixes sewing machines and he says Singers are throw aways. Pfaff is a pretty good product, while Bernina is good, but high dollar for the machine and the accessories and parts.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!