I have had the Brother 1500 for several years. Keep it cleaned and oiled and it will be a workhorse for you. Be sure to thread it properly. I have miss threaded mine on occasion and it has problems with that. I use mine for piecing and quilting and it is wonderful! Sounds like you got a great deal. It has a 1/4 inch foot, but no guide bar on it. I use a sticky note on the machine for that. As for the bobbins, I'm not sure of the cost.