too old is relative----machines are built to last- as long as they are taken care of- I sew regularly on a 1956 singer- which sews beautifully. you need to 'try it out'; take it for a test drive- look at service records- and I would also check with a dealer & ask what the trade in would be on that machine- the $4500 does seem a little high- but if it's been taken care of, sews great, and you have service records, can see what upgrades it has had it may well be worth it.