i love my 2044, I purchased it used Dec. 2011, I have not had a single problem, not one I did not get myself into or out of. AKA
perator error. Mine does say made in Czech. I have a Singer 15-91 for SITD and future FMQ. And hope to one day get a machine with a large throat area. Since the 2044 is my very first sewing machine, I really have nothing to compare to, I figure that if it is really user friendly enough that I am comfortable to operate it must be really a pretty special machine. i would look for an older one again, comparing the plastic to todays latest and greatest models, I can feel the newer models seem to be a thinner plastic. Sad but true..