Again, thank you to all who responded! I checked out this one today
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/fuo/2944088375.html and gave it a pass at $175 lowest price; will check out the one grayhare mentioned above, listed for $120. Told caretaker of the $350 one about info learned here, and she's decided to keep that one for the grandkids after spending so much to get it repaired. So I'll just stick with my 40 year old Kenmore for now, and keep an eye out and an ear open for the treadle meant for me!