Originally Posted by
happinessbears
So I just bought a used Bernina record 730 yesterday for $280 but it didn't come with the carrying case, table, feet, and all the other accessories...
I thought it was a pretty good price and the machine works very well. But when I got home and started a project (a coin pouch) the machine would sometimes not pick up the thread and stuff.. and the knobs and stuff are a little stiff. So now Im kind of regretting getting it! I also looked at a Juki HZL-35z and the HZL-27z. THey were both awesome!! The 35 was $295 I think and the 27 was $245. So the prices were generally the same. Well what do you guys think? Go for the new machine with all the accessories n stuff, or old used Bernina? I also was thinking that parts and servicing for the Juki's will be cheaper right? So please help me!
Firstly if you bought the machine froma dealer/ shop i would take it back as it clearly isn't working correctly sadly bernina accessories are extortionate so I can see why a seller would hang onto things to use for the newer machine if they upgraded but that makes the machine not such a good deal.
I personally think berninas are overcomplicated and overpriced. I have always bought my main sewing machine new. I have had two Pffafs and one brother. the brother was computerised the others not. I love my non computerised Pfaff. it is aworkhorse, and it doesn't have a mind of it's own.
I also have an embroidery Machine. I have had three second hand ones I bought from the brother dealer. they were trade ins from people upgrading and were known to be hardly used.... until I got may hands on them!!! I ran the first two into the ground and now I have a galaxay whoch is also a sewing machine. I had to use it as a sewing machine when I knocked out the timing on my pfaff two days before my City & guilds submission deadline. I broke 3 needles within two minutes becasue it kept parking the needle and hitting the 1/4 inch foot. (see mind of it's own!)
So if buying secondhand I would really only buy from a dealer where you have some immeadaite support and comeback unless you know the person you are buying from and know what it's history is.
Always check what it comes with and if those are the acessories you need. Also be aware of the replacement cost of the items you are going to need.
becks