I have a berninia and love it. Never heard of a used berninia for 200 are you sure it is a berninia?

Janome used to make some Kenmore machines but no longer. I just checked the Sears site and it looks like Sears doesn't sell any sewing machines at all, Kenmore or others. A conglomerate called SVP owns the name and mfg. facilities which make Singer, Viking and Pfaff. I highly doubt that they are made in the same factory, and even if they are they are made to different standards. Bernina contracts out the Bernette line. Last I heard they were made by Janome, but that could have changed by now. I just realized today that Sears does not sell any sewing machines. At least none came up when I searched the Sears website. It's a shame as Kenmore machines used to sew very well.

" When you buy from a dealer, you have the guarantee of service and advice.

Also, White machines are made by Husqvarrna; Kenmores are made by Janome; Bernettes are made by Bernina.[/QUOTE]

I've been lucky enough to own a 1230 for almost 20 years. It is a true work horse and I love it! I use a featherweight when I travel, but the Bernina is my home love!

Love my Bernina. Remember you pay for what you get!

i LOVE my Bernina. You pay a few dollars more in the beginning but it is worth it in the end. I have has my Bernina for close to 20 years and never had any problems with it . The only time it was in the shop was for general maintenance. One thing though . If it is truly a Bernina that is quite a buy . Be careful though . Make sure it runs weel before you but it. But if it is truly a Bernina grab it while you can . Good luch

People can be snobs about Berninas. Not the people who own them - the people who don't own them are the snobs about Berninas. I own one but I am afraid to say I own one because people look down their noses at Berninas. I don't know why except that they cost more than other machines. Mine is a high end machine and I love her. I also have two Vikings and a Singer 401 Slant O Matic and love them also but much prefer my Bernina over any of my other sewing machines.

My Bernina has all the bells and whistles and runs like a dream now that I learned which needle to use with which thread.

I had a Viking D1 (I didn't need the embroidery unit) and traded it for a Pfaff, which also handled more different types of fabric than the D1 and still has some fancy stitches and an alphabet.

My main sewing machine is my 1952 Featherweight. My only caution is check where the machine is made. As stated by others, many of the lower end machines from most of the companies are now made in China and seem to have issues. That also goes for the reintroduced Singer Featherweight.

Definitely try to test drive any machine under consideration. If you just want one for piecing, with careful shopping, you can find a Featherweight for around $300, depending on condition. Ebay is one place to look for older machines and check the sellers feedback. Do research to see what are good prices.

I have 2 Bernina's and they are top of the line as far as I am concerned. They are pricey but they last forever and if you buy from a reputable dealer they will keep it running smoothly and teach classes on how to use it. I have had other machines Baby Lock, Singer, Kenmore but a Bernina is the one I would buy again. I do love my Featherweights too and take them to classes because of the weight.

I have two Berninas: a 130 and a 153. Both are "primitive" by today's standards, both cost a fortune (at the time), and both continue to serve me well no matter what I throw at them. Bernina feet ARE expensive but, like these older machines, they last forever and can migrate from one machine to another and they extend the range of your capabilities immensely. I've chosen to keep my original machines and "upgrade" their capabilities by purchasing a new foot or two every year when I want to try some new technique etc. The only exception was that when I wanted to get into needle felting, I purchased a Babyloc Embellisher for not much more than the Bernina felting attachment would have cost. I'm not really tempted (yet) by the newer, fancier machines even though a larger throat and having more stitches would be nice.

One other thing to remember -- when you have the "right" machine, it will almost become an extension of your body -- you are so familiar with it and so confident that it will do what it should do, that the project becomes the focus and you almost forget the machine is there doing the "work"!

I have two Berninas: a 130 and a 153. Both are "primitive" by today's standards, both cost a fortune (at the time), and both continue to serve me well no matter what I throw at them. Bernina feet ARE expensive but, like these older machines, they last forever and can migrate from one machine to another and they extend the range of your capabilities immensely. I've chosen to keep my original machines and "upgrade" their capabilities by purchasing a new foot or two every year when I want to try some new technique etc. The only exception was that when I wanted to get into needle felting, I purchased a Babyloc Embellisher for not much more than the Bernina felting attachment would have cost. I'm not really tempted (yet) by the newer, fancier machines even though a larger throat and having more stitches would be nice.

One other thing to remember -- when you have the "right" machine, it will almost become an extension of your body -- you are so familiar with it and so confident that it will do what it should do, that the project becomes the focus and you almost forget the machine is there doing the "work"!