Singers today have a lot of plastic parts inside them. Not good for the long haul. There are less expensive better machines, like Brother and Janome. I have heard that machines sold at Walmart are made expressly to be sold at Walmart and are of inferior quality, hence the "bargain" price. Bernina is the only machine made today, that I know of, that is not made in the Orient. Very high quality but pricy. That is the brand I would buy if I planned to save up for one. Baby lock is another less expensive but stay away from the ones in the 300 dollar range. I teach sewing/quilting and students with these machines had nothing but trouble with them, probably plastic parts again. Good luck in your search, it can be overwhelming. They sure don't make them like they used to!