I can't say anything about the price - that just depends on is it worth it to you? But it sounds like either the bobbin case was put in wrong and needs to be taken out and check to make sure with the manual that it is put in properly and then make sure it is threaded correctly. I don't have a drop in bobbin in any of my Singers but my other machines that do have drop in you have to loop the thread in it appropriately. Also, when threading the needle are you doing it the right direction? Some machines have the eye of the needle in the front, but the Singers usually thread from right to left.