I bought out a school - There were a BUNCH of 404s - all but one was repaired - that one was used for parts. That said here is my opinion. I gave one to my grand daughters and one to my great niece. If these were used in home ec back in the days when women learned to sew something was right - besides that they are simple enough to use - drop in bobbin (very hard to mess that up or loose parts) The needle threads front to back - less to remember. The machines are all metal - no plastic - no plastic gears - (a friend teaches sewing at Joann's - she says the newer plastic machines Joann's uses rarely make it through a set of classes. Get something that will hold up.) These machines have a great light - shines right on the slant needle... slant needle is easier to see. This is a good basic learn to sew machine. I've sold most of mine for about $50. These were all gone over and in working order and had new cords. I even learned to tune up the motors on these machines. Parts are available. Manuals are available. If you love it then move on up to a 401 or a 403.

These are really nice machines. Straight stitch only though. The 403's use cams to do anything but straight stitch and the 401's have a built in camstack and also use cams. They are all really well built machines.

Pat

I have a 404 - my son (age 49) is using it and LOVES it!

It has a lovely straight stitch - is easy to operate - and it's relatively hard to muck it up.

My mom got a 403 when I was about 4 1/2. I'm 55. When I grad HS, they got her a newer one & the 403 was my gift. Still a workhorse.

Def worth $45. Go for it!!!

I posted the 403 instruction book here, just FYI.