I had two Vikings and both still run very well. Last year I bought the Big Momma of all sewing machines...the Bernina 830. It comes with an embroidery machine that you attach. Wonderful. Mine even came with a long arm table. I love it. But it's finiky about the thread I use. That's the only downfall. It doesn't like varagated thread at all. My dealer told me not to use it since I was having problems with that thread. That bums me out. I paid soooooo much for this machine that I should be able to use any thread at all. Anyway, my 1982 $300 Viking found a home with my daughter and she loves it. My newer Viking is in my closet for emergencies and for retreats. I would never buy a sewing machine from Walmart. I agree with all the gals that Bernina is the best, but I think it's the priciest also. Viking Huscavarna is a very good brand.