I bought a new 550 Bernina because the one I bought in 1999 Inspire 1530 Bernina was getting old and needed some work. West Des Moines Iowa shop sent it into Chicago, ILL., for repairs and now it is sewing again. Now the 550 needs to go into the shop, it buzzes when it is turned on so I am thinking I need another back up machine. One that has the side way stitch that was talked about on this site. After we catch up on our health issue bills and pay taxes on the new used car, I am going to be looking at used machines...new is not in our retirement budget. So this thread really interests me and I will be following the discussion. Everyone has a good point in what they say on this thread.