Thanks to all who posted - you gave me lots to think about!
I was very surprised to hear from DH that the repairman also sells new machines in his shop! I'd been there once before and saw lots of vacuums but only a few sewing machines. So I'm thinking that HE would honor his own warranty - now THAT might be worth looking into!
He was saying that Toyota bought the Nissi (?) brand, and was going to be converting them a few at a time to the Toyota brand; that's why there's only two on the Toyota website now.
I'm particularly looking for a lightweight one because after I retire (oh happy day!!) in several years, we're hoping to do some traveling in a motor home or travel trailer. DH likes to sit outside at night for hours at a time, which I think is boring - so I'll sew!
I guess most of us stick with what we know, if we've had good experiences with it - I wish they still made Kenmores!