Makes sure you have a bobbin in the bobbin case or with the machine. It's not a deal breaker but it helps to find extra bobbins if you know what your looking for. It may need a new belt but a sewing machine repair shop should be able to get one for you and it should cost under $10.00. You can probably put it on yourself but there might be a small charge if they have to do it. Remember to, these are not portable machines (very heavy). Get help to move it around and set it up in a place you intend to leave it. As everyone has said, they are wonderful machines if they are in working order. For $40.00 bucks even if it doesn't work, it makes a nice display piece.