Bernina's are the cadiallic of sewing machines. I purchased one 21 years ago and have never had a problem with it and I just love it! I do have it in for a tuneup every 1 to 1 1/2 years. My husband keeps on telling me that I should get a new one but why? Mine works fine and I could sew on it blindfolded I'm so familiar with it. The only thing I wished I had was the automatic needle threader but that's still not enough of a reason for me to get a new one.