DO try the trade ins at the dealer! Also, come up with a list of things that you need/want in a machine before you buy. Things like sewing speed control, needle down features, dropping feed dogs and push button start/stop are things that I thought were luxuries, but have found that they are really necessary for me for some things. I was able to buy a Bernina 430 for $1000 at a local dealer this year and am really pleased with it. I also have a singer 301 and a featherweight that I can use. Going vintage singer is not so bad either :-)