Life expectancy of a sewing machine
 

What do you consider a reasonable useful life expectancy for a sewing machine?

It depends on the sewing machine. Some of the older machines from the turn of the last century are still going strong. I have a couple of Singers from the early 50s that have a beautiful stitch and work great. These machines have metal gears and of course no electronics. They were built to last. I purchased my Viking about 15 years ago. It gets a lot of use and I’ve had no problems with it. However, I don’t expect it to last as long as my vintage machines. Most modern machines have plastic gears and other parts and I’m sure the electronics have a limited lifespan. Also, a lot depends on how you care for your machine and regular servicing. You also need to consider whether it’s a low end or high end machine.

My Viking Rose, a workhorse, died electronically after about 12 years. She is sorely missed! My Viking 100, mechnical with all metal parts, bought in the 1970s, is still going strong. I have an Elna now and know her days are limited.

Love vintage machines, as they will outlive many generations if cleaned and oiled. Want to spend lots of money on plastic and computerized machines? That's fine, too, if you go into it knowing the life expectancy of those will never reach a fraction of all mechanical made machines. Just my opinion!

I too have vintage Singers (the oldest from 1918) that all sew perfectly. My Bernina 1530 (my "newest" machine) is 26 years old and also runs works perfectly. BUT based upon the way things are made today and my personal experience with current major appliances, I'd guess you'd be lucky to get 10 years out of one of today's sewing machines.

I'm in with the vintage crowd. My old Singers may not have some of the fancy stuff that the newer, electronic machines have, but they go and go and go. They stitch so beautifully and they just feel good when you sew on them. All of my machines have lasted several lifetimes.

Like others....the vintage ones will last longer than most peoples lifetimes. The newer ones...not so much. Most sewing machines are actually "sewing computers" so I think the life span is somewhat similar to regular computers. Maybe a bit longer Manufacturers will stop making the computer boards after a period of years and new parts will no longer be available. That is a good question to ask the repair tech for the brand you are considering buying. But, bells and whistles are developed and come out all the time. I wish I had held on to some of more simple machines I had years ago...cuz..they are great to have as a backup, travel, take to class, or even everyday sewing and quilting machine. I like have one fancy machine though...for those fun things like doing embroidery or fancy stitching on a bag or wall hanging.

I bought a Bernina in 2001 and it's going strong and has never had to be fixed. I also have old Singers that are wonderful.
My new Bernina is only a year old so I can't comment on that. I'm saving my old Bernina for my granddaughter when she's older and if she likes to sew.
My very first machine, a Kenmore was gifted to me by my Dad and I love that one. It still runs well and no fixes ever. That one is about 40 years old and I used it exclusively until I got my first Bernina.

I had a Bernina 180 that lasted all of 11 years before a circuit board failed and it was not repairable (at least not affordably nor with any warranty). It was well-maintained and not abused so it pretty much turned me off to buying another expensive "flagship" machine.

30 years seems reasonable to me... tho I have vintage machines that are way older than that and still going strong. I have a Juki 2010Q which is newer but all mechanical. I don't buy anything computerized. The computer parts just don't last long, it seems.