Oh dear. It *IS* so expensive to get a machine serviced! I would think the cost would be at least $100 now.
That's why I love my ancient industrial Singers - a 95-80 and a 95-40. I was just online Thursday night looking for the service manuals so that I could repair the upper tension system. With just a little help from DH ("Well, that's the set-screw, right there!) I was able to get it going again. Let's see... it's only the second time I've had to fix anything in... probably five years... this was the 95-40. I really like the 95-80 better, I have only broken it once in 25 years.
These machines don't do any tricks - they only sew straight, forwards, but that's the majority of what I do anyway; I have an infrequently-used Bernina for everything else.
For *serious* sewers, if you have the room for it, do yourself a favor and get an old industrial. Buy it from a reputable dealer, someone who's even willing to adjust the table for YOUR height... It'll pay for itself in just a few years, in the repair bills you won't be paying. And, as I was told when I bought my first one, "Lady, you WON'T be able to wear this out in your lifetime!" Music to my ears...!