I love all the advice given here, love the old Singers, but would not even waste my time looking at a new one. My personal best is an Elna top of the line in a cabinet, a gift from my husband in 1986, the year I was 50....But being the machineaholic that I am, I also own Brothers (good and bad), New Homes, Pfaff, HusqvarnaViking Embroidery machine, a 301 Singer that I love, a 15-91 that I love, and several FWs (can't be beat for the straight stitches needed in piecing a quilt)---just depends on my mood the day I sit down to sew. So, if you have any patience with CL at all, give them a try. Make a limit that you intend to spend, be sure what you want it to do, and count on several trips to town, trying them out, and saying no thanks. Good luck. Post us, too, what you come up with......