As long as your machine is well maintained and you take it to a good dealer for periodic cleaning and maintenance, there is no reason why it shouldn't last a very long time. FYI - Brother is coming out with a new TOL machine sometime very soon (early August, I think) and you might get a better deal if you wait until the new machines are out. Not positive about this, just a thought. I have sewn with Brother and Babylock machines for many years and love them.....very user friendly.