Looks like this is an old thread, but FWIW, I had this model of sewing machine for about 4 years. I used it VERY heavily ... we're talking hours and hours of commercial-type use almost every single day. Even with me running it so hard, it still sewed just fine even 4-ish years later, but it was making some odd noises, so I eventually replaced it with another Brother (# PC-420, which has more features and a bigger throat).
With average household/personal use, I'm sure it would last for many, many years. I feel that it was well worth the money.
Edit: I bought mine at Walmart.