I have the Juki 98Q and had it for about 10 years (at least). I also maintain it regularly with cleaning and oiling and have never taken it in for a professional cleaning. It still works like it did when I got it, and I sew on it for MANY hours a week. I do take my computerized machine in once a year because they are made so that you can't work on them. I have several old straight stitch machines and maintain them myself. I think the older ones (and that is how the Juki is made) are very straightforward and easy to work on .