I almost didn't buy singers when I was purchasing my new machines a few years ago due to "poor reputation" comments I saw online. I then did LOTS of research to verify these claims. My decision-I own a few singers both old and new and love each of them. The old ones are simple and strong. The new ones have many features and I've never had a problem with any of them. I quilt on a Singer Confidence quilter and piece, embroider with my Singer Futura. My serger is also a hard used Singer. I also do sewing non-quilt related-lots of it. I've heard many complaints from owners of the "higher quality" machines having problems and costing more than the original price of any of my machines to repair them. I believe that I can replace mine and have a good quality new machine if it were to ever fail me permanently. Works for me!