Do you have a sewing machine dealer or repair person near? My dealer sells and repairs and sometimes takes a trade in, services it and guarantees them for a year. I've bought several machines from him, the last one was a used Quilter's Pro Dream, which I love, but it was considerably more than the $200+, but have never regretted it. Personally though, I would stay away from the "new" Singers, actually wouldn't buy any Singer newer than late 70's, but this is my opinion.