definitely try it out first and maybe check to see what to expect in future repairs from a sewing machine repair tech. I bought an older Janome (1980's) from a person in my guild that was downsizing and guaranteed it worked. Well, it did--for a day. Then the motor started smelling like it was burning up so took to repair shop and they told me parts were not available anymore. I worked out to leave the machine for parts with them and avoid the diagnostic charge. Since I didn't bother to plug it in and check it I felt like I couldn't get my $50 back.