new machine or used Bernina?
 

I went to the store to buy a new Necchi or singer around $300 and ended up buying a 10 year old Bernina. Now I am wondering if I did the right thing. How long is a machine good for? "This one seems to be in good condition but I have no idea of how much its' been used. I paid $400 and its' the 160

Today I'm sewing on a 1954 Featherweight. Machines can last a long time if they are properly maintained and well made. I don't know anything about Berninas but I'll just be you someone will chime on to this thread saying they have had one for ages and just love it.

I think that's a reasonable price for the 160. It's a nice machine.

I have both, Bernina 165E and a Necchi {model number ???}, then the machine I use most is my Baby Lock Elizabeth.

Had a Bernina 153QE and loved it. but the push button start n stop on the BL when my feet are hurting is a life saver.

I would take the bernina anytime. Although the feet and accessories are more money to buy, it is a great machine and will last a lifetime if you have it serviced once in a while. There is nothing like the stitch of a bernina.

I have a Bernina 1530 and try to have it service at least every other year and it is still running as great as when I brought it home new eons ago.

A used Bernina is a much better choice than a new Singer.

The dealer who sold you the Bernina can actually tell you how many hours it was used. The last time I had mine serviced they remarked about how many hours I had put on it since I purchased it from them used several years ago. I actually traded in my 1260 which I had purchased new about 20 years ago for the newer, to me, Artista 185. In general I probably sew at least 20 hours or more a week. I own a Singer Featherweight which is the kind of machine I learned to sew on. My mother purchased her featherweight in 1936. It is a marvelous little machine but not big enough to do the kind of sewing I do on a regular basis. It also only as a straight stitch.

I think you scored! You will love it! :-)

I totally agree with Candace! Nothing like a Bernina.