I paid a little over $200 for mine but I deliberately picked one that showed wear-marks from lots of sewing - she's not a show piece. I wanted one that had been well broken-in, I didn't want to pay top dollar, and I wanted one that wasn't perfect-looking so I wouldn't stress about marring the finish while I'm using it, so we are a perfect fit. Mine needed only a little work (lube & new belt, and replace a missing bobbin case screw; and I put in an LED bulb) and I bought it from the original owner's granddaughter and she sent the original paperwork with it so I feel like I really know the machine's history. I named the machine "Priscilla" after her original owner. I keep her packed up in her case with all the "extras" I need to sew, so she's ready for me to grab-and-go at a moment's notice. It's my primary travel machine that I take on vacations and to "sew-ins" and sometimes to classes, depending on what's being taught. (I don't use it for quilting, just piecing.)
If it got lost or stolen, I'd look for another one. But I'm very happy with mine - nice stitches, no hassles, and I like the quiet "ticky-tack" sort of sound it makes. Plus it's just cute as a button, even with its worn-off decals.
