I purchased my Singer 237 new in 1971 for $75 and used it for 30+ years. I sewed clothes, quilts, and crafts with it and it never gave me a lick of trouble. But the little tab that fits into the slot of the bobbin wore down and I couldn't wind bobbins any more. This was before they came out with the bobbin winder. Since I wanted a few more bells and whistles, I bought a Bernina 440QE, which I dearly love. Then I won a Bernina 240, which has become my class/retreat machine. However, I have 6 Singer FWs which vary in age from 1936 to 1965, and a Singer treadle (1939). I love the FWs for straight stitching and even if I'm taking the Bernina to a class, I always carry a FW, just in case.