How to evaluate a used sit-down machine
 

Hi all,

Sorry for making my first post such a newbie question, but I'd like some advice on how to evaluate a used machine. It's a Bernina Q20 in the Koala table, in "like-new" condition, "only used a handful of times".

Should I ask for the serial number, to check on age, warranty status, or service history?

Are there accessories, upgrades, supplies I should be on the lookout for?

We'll get to run some fabric under the needle; I know how the demo feels in the store when it's running perfect, and a little bit when it's a little off, but of course they're quick to shut it down when it's not in "close-the-sale" condition.

I can look for stats like stitch count, not sure what else to check.

We've been looking, trying out, and renting time on various machines for a year or so; we've narrowed the choice down to be Bernina Q20 in table - so we don't need to worry about whether we're getting the right machine for us - just, whether we're getting a good machine.

Cheers,
Bob

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)
Sorry, I don't have much experience with sit downs

I do not have experience with that machine, but Bernina has a good reputation.
When I bought my used mid-arm machine w/hydraulic lift table, I also knew it had been very lightly used. Big plus! She decided a long arm was what she would rather have. I had the benefit of trying a Sweet 16 midarm machine at the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in the Twin Cities, so I knew I would like it.
Hope you are able to get it and enjoy it as much as I have my machine! Happy quilting!

And don't just take their word for it, get it in writing if they say Bernina will honor the remaining warranty to anyone other than the original purchaser. Most domestics, including Bernina, do Not have a transferable warranty. Read the fine print.

Thanks! I’ll ask for serial number and local shop, will contact them to check history and warranty status. I’ll also ask Bernina and our local shop about extended warranty and Re-certify service, to see if that’s a thing:)

I just want to welcome you to this board. Lots of knowledgeable people here always willing to help.

Some great deals can be purchased in used machines. I would buy only if you trust the seller. Test it out for a long time at their house. Several hours not just a few minutes. Yes, you probably will lose the warranty or any classes that Bernina gives. So it's wise to double check. I know of several perfectly good machines that were purchased and barely used. Unfortunately, the sellers now really just want their money back not just the money owed to get out of the loan. There is no advantage to purchasing used if it's only a few hundred less than new.

I have a q20 and love mine. I did buy it new but check to see if they have a warranty.

Just wanted to add some thoughts regarding testing a sit-down.

If you can, take several different thickness quilt sandwiches to see how easy and repeatably you can set the foot height.

Try different weight threads and different needle sizes to see how "fussy" about thread it is.

If it comes with a bobbin winder, wind the bobbins for each thread using it, then stitch with them for a while (or stitch, then remove a bunch of thread from the bobbin and go back to stitching) to see how evenly they were wound.

Run the stitching at various speeds. Can you "outrun" the machine (especially the stitch regulator) and end up with bad stitching? IIRC, the Bernina uses domestic needles, not longarm needles. These are thinner and may deflect more if you're moving the quilt fast. Does this happen when you are stitching at your maximum comfortable speed?

Speaking of which, since the Q20 has a built-in regulator, try stitching with and without. Make changes in direction, tight curves, stitch at random speeds. How well does the stitch regulator perform? How well can you quilt without it turned on?

Take a bed-size quilt sandwich (or finished quilt). Quilt (or pretend to quilt) across the whole thing, pushing the bulk of the quilt around on the table, up into the throat, back and forth, left and right. Does it move easily or drag or catch where it would cause problems/frustration?

Are they including a chair/stool or will you need to get your own? How is the visibility when sitting in the intended chair/stool? Can you achieve/maintain a comfortable position and see your work clearly? Do you have to hunch to see what you're doing? Is it fatiguing at all? Ergonomics are very important when you're going to be doing a task for hours and hours, even with stretching breaks.

How loud is the machine? As you are stitching, particularly with the regulator on so the speed is always changing, does the change in sound bother you at all?

I'm sure others will chime in.

"and a little bit when it's a little off, but of course they're quick to shut it down when it's not in "close-the-sale" condition."" - that would kill the deal for me. You should be able to use it enough to feel comfortable with your decision.

Oh, I do love the Q20, so I hope it turns out to be a good one. I have it on my own wish list as well. Most of my machines have been used and so far they have been completely perfect. All you can do is go see it and play with it, then hope for the best. Wishing you a great experience.

My Bernina is 40 years old and going strong. I do know that the warranty is voided if not serviced by a certified Bernina service agent.

Try to find out the service history and also if is there a local dealer close by who can service it. Ask if the technician is certified to fix it A certified technician is better than just a person who can fix sewing machines. These machine are a little more complex and a bit fussy. Also, how heavy is the machine and can you carry it to the shop or will they come to your house? Ask what the cost is for service and house calls. I purchased a used Sweet 16, I was able to call the company with the serial number and they told me a lot of good information. The prior owner had it about 5 years and apparently never used it much, it was a steal.

Thanks all for the kind and informative responses.

Seller's shop was just the right mix of helpful while respecting her privacy rights. Built and bought in 2015, never serviced.
Machine has just 60K stitches - 3K of which were ours from testing.
We did try a couple different sandwiches, but only on the standard foot, and without a lot of trying different settings. All 3 of us found that, combined, we still had less knowledge than we needed to quickly and properly adjust settings!
I easily outran it and had issues a bit worse than I've had on store models when outrunning. Sewing too fast is my problem, I know, but I wanted to see how this Q20 handles it compared to other Q20's I've seen.
It ran a little rough and vibrated a bit more than any other Q series I've tried. Seller said she thought so too, it never did seem to run quite right. Rather than work with dealer she put it off and focused on piecing and other projects with the 880 she'd bought at the same time.

I was ready to walk away to re-evaluate, having repeated that our decision isn't Q20 or none, but is private-party used vs dealer-new. My wife and her really hit it off, she has a good feeling about it, wanted to offer just a little less than asking, and seller quickly agreed.

We've reassembled the table and dropped the machine off at our local dealer for service, any needed repairs, and re-certification for 3-year service contract. We'll find out then, what we're actually paying for the used vs new purchase! :)

I have a ‘new to me’ Q20 sitting at home waiting for me to return home in March. It was a floor model, therefore little use. I don’t know how to check the number 0f use hours, but it can be done. Ask for help to get this info. It’s in the machine somewhere. Like another said the Q20 is a relatively new machine and Bernina makes quality machines. Incidentally, I chose the table that can raise to use standing or lowered to use seated and ever height in between.