Bernina Aurora 430, used
 

I have been researching a machine to upgrade from my Singer Stylist 7258. It is relatively new, but I am starting to re-enter sewing and enjoying quilting, applique, art quilting, etc. I am a little afraid my Stylist is not going to last and I wanted to upgrade. Obviously, I don't quilt full time, its just a hobby, so I didn't want to go hog wild.

In my area, there is a Janome dealer, a Babylock dealer, and a Pfaff and HV/Viking dealer. I was having a hard time making a decision and did not want to spend tons of money. I then discovered there is also a Bernina dealer a few blocks from the Janome store. I know how expensive these were, but it didn't hurt to look, did it? Well, I actually walked away with the above machine, 8 years old. I don't pick it up for a few days, as the dealer says she is going to completely service it. I will have a one year complete warranty and it will be serviced under that warranty at the end of the year--and then its on me. I paid $825. It sews very, very nicely and seems to have all the features I am looking for.

Any cautions on this model? I don't think she'd be mad if I went back in a spent a few hundred more on the 350, brand new--I am a little cautious of used products, but I have read so many nice things about Berninas, I was hoping this was an okay buy.

Thanks for any input.

I don't think you will have any problems....I have had so many machines in my 45 years of sewing. 12 years ago I bought my 1st Bernina..I told the salesman if he had a machine I could not wear out, I could by it..so I came home with a 175 with embroidery. Then I bought a 135 to take to classes, then a serger, and now I have a 635. Never any trouble with any of them.

I have a 440 and I love it! Solid workhorse with a beautiful stitch. I think you got a great price; they go for more than that at my shop. You will want a walking foot, and if it didn't come with one you will need to take a deep breath and buy the official Bernina one. Expensive but worth it.

Pam

Have them check out the plastic part where the screws are in the front of the machine. There is something about the 400 series that it is happening. I have both the 430 and the 440 and had to have the front cover replaced on both. It is quite pricey as it involves a lot of labor, but Bernina covers all expenses. However, here is the catch. The warranty that covers the replacement only is covered under the original owner! I found that out, when I took my 430 in to have it fixed and the warranty was in moms name. My wonderful Bernina Dealer, that I will be a customer for life, just filed it under mom's name. This is not enough to walk away from a great deal and a wonderful machine, as not every 400 series has this problem. Just talk to you dealer about it, and make sure it is still good before the year warranty wears out.

I have a 430 that I purchased 6 years ago new. It has been a really wonderful workhorse for me. I will probably keep it until either it or I die! I have the stitch regulator which I used until I got my longarm. It did not come with the machine. It took a bit of practice, but it was fine once I got the hang of it. That is a really good price for that machine with the warranty. I have found the Bernina service at my lqs to be very good.
Mine came with a carry case (heavy fabric), a plastic case that attached to the machine with feet, bobbins, needles, tools and oil. I had to buy a few other feet and a single hole stitch plate. You might ask about those things.

There are several feet that come with it, whatever originally came with it. I have the manual to hold onto until I pick it up, which is neat because the original owner marked what she bought and what was on her wish list. The cover and extension table comes with this as well.

Thank you for the advice on the front panel. I will ask about that for sure. This is my first exposure to this dealer, but she's been in business for 30 years with a Janome competitor who's been there 25 years. I guess that says something. I feel better, thank you. I'd read so many comparisons of the major companies, they were all starting to swirl together. Hopefully this was a good decision!

Congratualtions. You will love it! I love Berninas and won't consider buying anything else. ( I have also owned a Kenmore, a Singer, and a Viking in the past). You got a very good price on that--especially since you also got a 1 year Warranty. I had a Bernina 440 that I bought for the stitch regulator. Then when I bought my long arm, I sold my 440 thinking I didn't need it since I didn't need the stitch regulator anymore. I then bought a Bernina 230, which I really like. But now, tomorrow, I am going to look at a used Bernina 430 (3 years old) and plan on buying it. I really miss my Bernina 440--especially for the walking foot use. It just worked wonderful when using the walking foot. I now intend to keep the 430 for my main machine and will use my Bernina 230 for my traveling machine (for classes and retreats.
I am excited to ge the 430--as I am sure you are. Have fun with it.

Btw, can the dealer get all the parts or accessories or are there other places to order these? I like to have lots of bobbins.

You should be able to buy anything that you want for it. The nice thing about the 430 is that you can add the embroidery unit if you decide to want that. The 350 comes with the walking foot, but you can get one at your LQS thru tomorrow at a good price. I did some research and saw that "The Stitch Witch" bought one earlier. You might contact her to see what she recommends. I guess what I'm trying to say is that the 430 with a one year warranty is a good deal. Be happy.