I have this machine, bought new in 1973. It still works well even though I have sewed enough on it to go to the moon and back. I would recommend you find a good service technician to have the inner parts cleaned, the lint does build up. As for the darker color on the motor housing I think that is just how it naturally is. Mine is also darker, time does it, mine has not been in a fire. If you have that start up hesitation I suggest you check out the foot pedal. The only part I have had to replace is the foot pedal and I have had to do that twice. Other than that, this is a wonderful machine, my current back up and the only one of my four machines I would save it there was a fire. I admit to being spoiled with my high end machines, and would miss the thread cutter, but the 830R is an old friend. As for oiling points look open up the top and look for points with a red coloration. Don't over do it though less is more when it comes to oiling. you can safely open the top cover and the cover over the sewing arm to clean lint and find oiling points. Do see if you can find a copy of the manual. Happy sewing on your new sewing treasure. One more thing, I paid $500. for my machine in 1973 and I see on Ebay they still sell for that and more....