I had heart failure over my first really good machine price. I saved over two years to pay cash for it, $2000.00.
But I used that machine 1000's of hours. At the time I had a car in the garage I bought new, that I very seldom drove, I just didn't like driving back then. Which was the better value? Save your money, pay cash, enjoy!
I'd go ahead and get a new motor for the kenmore though so you have a back up machine, or something for a friend to use if you are sewing together. There are a number of Kenmore collectors in our Vintage Machine forum who could point you in the right direction.
One other shock about today's machines, they are not supported for very long as computer parts are constantly being changed and upgraded. That is why my machine became a boat anchor. To my horror. Go in knowing what every you buy new has a life span, unlike the old mechanicals.
Last edited by KalamaQuilts; 03-30-2015 at 10:43 AM.