My parents gave me the "old" Bernina 830 in 1975 for my college graduation ... and when I turned 60 a few years ago my sweet DH gave me the "new" Bernina 750 QE... Love both machines.... I call the "old" Bernina 830 the "mechanical 830"... My sweet DIL has it now and is trying to squeeze a bit of sewing into her busy schedule. I've told her to use it before getting a newer machine. If you learn on an old "mechanical" machine, I think you appreciate the new one even more? My Bernina dealer keeps both machines in excellent condition and have advised me to "never sell!" I won't sell either one...ever!!!