also-it probably cost so much because of the condition it was in-amount of work he had to do---if you take your machine in for regular service (like once a year- or once every 2 years) it will probably not be that much- it costs me $40 for an annual check-up-cleaning service. and my shop tends to get after me saying with the amount of sewing i do every 6 months would be reasonable...
buying the little vacuum attachment kit makes it easier to clean out the hard to get to areas- and can help you go longer between service visits...they are not very expensive- very well worth the money!