Are there garage sales or CL ads up there? I'd pick up a Singer 301 or 15 and have at it.
I was in the LQS yesterday and the owner asked me when I was going to give up my 'old' machines and buy a shiny new Janome. I told him when my machines didn't do everything I wanted them to. If the store hadn't been full of customers I would have mentioned that every time I come in, someone is dropping off a shiny machine for repair - his attitude it doesn't matter as the factory covers it and replaces the mother board or whatever. I prefer no repairs, thank you. That being said, I would like an embroidery machine if it were in the budget.
I agree, old is best in most cases.