I paid $25 for mine, with reverse, about 40 years ago. I bought it to teach my daughters how to sew. The machine I used had way too fast of action to teach 7 & 8 year old to sew. Since then I have taught dozens of girl scouts to sew on it. I regularly sew on it. I bought a spartan that was about the same equivalent machine. They are durable and they last forever. Heavier than a featherweight but doable. I keep both of them set in my sewing room for quick repairs. Since you don't feel that the money you loaned would ever be repaid, take it and enjoy.