If it were a different model, I might hesitate, but the Singer 301 is still being used a lot right now. People actively seek out this model. They still have a good resale value. I know people that restore and resell 301s. The owners manual is still available online, and bobbins and needles continue to be sold at retail stores. The 301 has become the other quilt club portable when a 221 isn't in the budget. And... Singer originally promoted and sold the machine to schools as a teaching machine. So, it's not a difficult machine to master. When it comes to a 'first' vintage sewing machine... the 301 is a pretty good bet. That being said, you still have to go over the machine before purchasing; is it complete? Does it have its bobbin carrier in place (65 dollar purchase if it doesn't). Are all, or most of the attachments available. How's the wiring look? Does it sew right now... etc.