I have experienced this, too. I have a Pfaff 7570 that I love, but if I had to choose one machine (I have 6), I would have to take my 401A. It has never broken down on me. It is my "go to" machine when others fail me.
I think many of our old faithful mechanical machines will sew circles around the fancy computerized machines over a lifetime. I also have a 66-16 that does a much nicer straight stitch than my high-end Pfaff. Gotta love those old girls!