They are the most precious and relaible little machines. The only thing is people don't oil enough. After about 10 hours of use you should oil them. When you first get them clean them really good and they will run and run. I have eight of them - six I am keeping because they are all different. The last two I bought because I felt they needed a loving home. I just couldn't walk away from them. One is a centennial and one has a straited plate. I forget the yearbut can look it up. It's just too late to think this hard!! You will love your little machine and once you get hooked you might have to look for a therapy group! They are addicting! I love sewing on these little machines, one of mine travels with me on my quilting weekends. My Bernina stays at home since they are a little more fragile. Have fun with yours. They are so precious.