Older models of Singer will hold up many years, but the newer ones are not made to last. Must be made of plastic. Machines that are heavy in weight are not made with plastic and will last longer. I would not trade my old Singer (over 40 years old) nor my Pfaff embroidery machine of 12 years. Serge protecters help, but always unplug machine, iron or like items it storms are expected or if you plan to away from home.