I tend to agree with the posters who suggest a new machine. Does she have anyone at all to help her set it up? The last mechanical Brother I got worked straight out of the box, really, and it has given me zero problems. If someone can set it up for her and show her the basics and remind her to put the presser foot down (the hardest thing for my granddaughter to remember) she should have very few problems. If she is going to take classes anyway, the machine shouldn't need to be "dealer specific" and could come from Amazon or a sewing place like Allbrands or Kens, directly to her. I think Amazon has the best return policies though but, not sure about that.