I have two Viking machines both from 1977. One I have had since it was new and the other I bought from a friend a few years ago. Both have had regular tune up service throughout the years and I feel it has really paid off. Both are still going strong. I cleaned them throughout the year but there's nothing like a good tune up and thorough cleaning that a technician can give. I usually took my original one in once a year but I also use it quite a bit. My friend did likewise. She was no longer able to sew and is now in a nursing home which is why I bought the machine from her. The $60-$70 I spend on a tune up is just pennies a day for the privilege of enjoying sewing on a nice machine. A small price in my book.