Originally Posted by
Candace
I have many vintage Berninas and they're wonderful machines. The feet are expensive because they're all metal and last a life time. I have Bernina feet that are 50 years old and still going strong. They're not plastic junk that's available now.
The 1120 is a coveted machine and Berninas retain their value over any other sewing manufacturer. I own 30 machines from many different makers and Berninas are the Rolls Royce of machines.
With that being said, your BIL should take it in to an authorized Bernina dealer and pay the $100 for servicing to make sure it's fully operational. Then you can consider an offer. If the board is out it could cost you upwards of $400 for repair, so it's important to know all the facts before you can make an educated decision.
Candace is right...The board is the most likely item to be bad. Especially if the machine was stored in a place without heat or air conditioning. The older Berninas will run forever. I have a 1030 and a 1031, my Mom has a 930 and I have requested that she wills it to me. You don't need a lot of the feet if you are a quilter....just the regular foot and a 1/4" foot, walking foot and one for FM. Maybe they can be found on Ebay.