I'm a Pfaffie, but have heard really good things about Bernina's, I love love love my OLDER Pfaffs, I think you made a very wise choise

I'm a confirmed Bernina lover, so would always go with the used Bernina before just about anything else (unless it was a new Bernina, lol!).

A quick check on Ebay has a couple currently for sale; one is a "buy it now" auction listed for $700 and another for $575. In completed sales, there are also two: One sold for $504 and the other for $465. All of these have shipping added to the price - in the case of the least expensive ($465), another $75.

I think you got a great machine at a pretty good price! The ones I currently have are the 153QE (which I purchased new almost 12 years ago - still runs as well and stitches as beautifully as it did then) and a 240, which I bought for classes, retreats and guild sewing days.

There have been many threads here asking for advice on buying sewing machines for (whatever price range), usually people who do not want to spend thousands but want a good machine. Pretty much across the board, the responses are to look for a good quality used machine - like a Bernina.

I bought my 150QE 7 years ago and was told at the time it was old, it came with many extra feet and a wheel case. I had it serviced ( just dirty inside) and have used it ever since as my main machine. I keep it clean and have never had a problem. My Bernina was the best $400 I ever spent.

I confess, I'm a Bernina fan, so I think your decision was a good one. My 150 is 15 years old and shows no signs of quitting, but I do have it serviced regularly and clean it often. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. Have fun with your new toy!

I just got my 1942 Commander (pre kenmore) out of the shop today. Its older than me and in better shape too. Those old machines were very well made.

I still use my Bernina Record 830 from the 1970's! It will probably last over a hundred years if kept well. It's the greatest machine I've ever owned, including the new Juki I quilt on now. I also have about a dozen various vintage Singers. Metal mechanical sewing machines (not computerized) will last for hundreds of years.

It's probably a lot like my Bernina 180. I have had it for over 10 years, and it sews like a dream. Great machines!

I'm a Bernina fan too. I have an older 1260 and it is my favorite machine. I have a Janome, Brother 1500, and three vintage Singers and a newer Singer Quantum. I use them all.

No doubt in my mind - the Bernina would be my choice The innards of the older quality machines are made with metal gears etc. Newer cheaper models of the cheaper machines are plastic - You figure it out - which material wears longer.
I have an elna from 69 and it's a workhorse still being my favorite for piecing and sewing any knit fabric. I have 3 other machines - all Vikings and one White I'm giving my DIL. They will last for as long as I will need them and perhaps long enough to work for my grand daughters. Quality used over new cheap - every time.

my Bernina I bought used and it was made in 1964. It beats my Necchi when sewing, in my opionion. Just wish I could afford a newer Bernina.
Yes my Bernina was born before me! he he he