Ah, Featherweights--should I even start on them! their recent popularity came about when quilting teachers started carrying them on the planes. they are great for going to classes, etc. sure, they are cute--but workhorses.
walking foot works, but usually do not need one. quilting on them is hard because of the short throat space. not that much goes wrong if they were cared for. eBay seems like a good place to get them--but you can be stung easily by crafty sellers. my husband repairs lots of eBay "finds". if you see any "whitish" spots on bottom or edges--that is aluminum "rot". do not buy ! they are easy to maintain on your own. but they do need oiling, cleaning regularly.
now--301's-they are the real gems ! lower cost,too.
educated yourself, there are many online sites ISMACS.
Needlebar.org, Yahoo groups. etc.