Ack, I was just cruising Craigslist and made an impulse buy: a Bernina 741, cabinet, feet, etc. from the original owner. It was a great price, but now I'm having palpitations about whether I was an idiot to buy it sight unseen. I go on a road trip to pick it up tomorrow. Does anyone have any comments about this machine? Or about impulse buying? Any good stories would be appreciated.

I wouldn't call yourself that! I'm just the kind that I have to see it first, so for me I couldn't have bought it sight unseen. I do "prowl" the CL in my area but unless they include an actual photo I won't even read the "tempting" ad.

I do hope it all works out good. Please update us when you get it and try it out. Not every story has a bad ending. :-)

That is quite an impulse, and I sure hope it's a good buy for you. Getting a cabinet and lots of feet with it sounds wonderful. Bernina's are known for beautiful stitching. Can't wait to see what you make with it. :D

As long as you pare picking it up personally, you will have a chance to try it and make sure is for real. You can always change your mind at the spot. Make sure you test it, and don't go alone to pick it up.

Bernina's are great machines, you're likely looking at a good tune up, but I'm guessing you'll be happy.

I hope it works out for you and it is on the up-and-up.

Keep us posted. I'm sure it will be fine.

keep us posted

Oh no, you will find out in a few more hours

Craftybear

I bought every one of my machines on impulse! Had palpitations too but got over them really quickly. You will too! Have fun with your machine!

I've owned two Berninas and want to buy a third, a great machine, I never worry about adjusting the tension, sews like a dream.
Enjoy, worry will never extended your life by one minute.

Well, to give you an update: getting this machine was not to be. After a long conversation with the owner - who was really great, it was his mother's machine - I realized that the logistics of getting it were a nightmare. It would have involved a 350 mile one way trip, the man was not sure when he would be in town, etc. It just seemed too difficult. So I will continue my search. Thanks to everyone for encouragement. I hope to be able to find an older Bernina that has the wavy darning stitch - one of the very few stitches that my Babylock doesn't have and not all of the Berninas have them either. I love wavy straight line quilting like this one from the Tallgrass Prairie Studio blog: