I have never had a new sewing machine, always bought used and I still have my Bernina 1090 that I bought used in the early 90's. I didn't even know that you didn't have to hold the thread tails on new machines (I just make sure they are long enough and that works). I have no desire for a new machine, I just want to sit down and start sewing, not push a computer screen 10 times to select this and that before I can even sew. Not to mention the price of repairs when the computer messes up. I love my old Bernina.