The low cost Brothers are good machines and last a long time. Any and all sewing machines need to be cleaned and race oiled, that is the hardest working part of a sewing machine. My Daughter has had one for about 10 years, never been serviced.

Wow! After reading all the opinions on this thread, I really feel like the new sewing machine sales-people's wallets are in trouble. I also feel a nice used machine is the way to go. Do take into consideration all the "extras" you have already purchased for that "non-working" machine, but also see if you can "try before you buy" even if that means taking a couple of pices of scrap material with you, & trying out some machines at a used shop (be that a pawn, sewing store, or whatever). Then find your price-range & buy the one you think "feels" right. I bet you'll love it for a long time!