Is it too Old?
 

Does anyone have APQS Ultima l, I am looking at one that is 26in throat on a 14ft table. It has fabric advance foot pedal, asking price is $4500. It is 21 years old an 1992 model. Is it too old? Pro and cons please.

Is there any way to have it looked at by a technician who could tell you if it is any good or if it has issues? I don't know anything about those machines - what did it cost new? Seems like $4500 is a lot for a 21 year old machine but maybe it was a VERY expensive machine in 1992.

No stitch regulation or option to computerize it in some fashion would be a con.

too old is relative----machines are built to last- as long as they are taken care of- I sew regularly on a 1956 singer- which sews beautifully. you need to 'try it out'; take it for a test drive- look at service records- and I would also check with a dealer & ask what the trade in would be on that machine- the $4500 does seem a little high- but if it's been taken care of, sews great, and you have service records, can see what upgrades it has had it may well be worth it.

If it's been well oiled, age shouldn't be a problem. As previously mentioned, if there are features you'd really want which it doesn't have and can't be added, like stitch regulation, computerization, etc. that would be a deal breaker, because you'd end up unhappy later. As for the asking price, see if you can phone APQS. When I bought my used Gammill, I phoned Gammill and they are able to tell all previous owners of any machine of theirs by the serial number, and they are able to give you a fair price for that particular machine. Maybe APQS does the same?

Also, be careful of how you get information from the seller, so as not to "prompt" the answer you want to hear, if you know what I mean. For example, don't ask "How often have you oiled it?". Instead, do your research first and know the answer to the question of how often it should have been oiled (best is one drop of oil every bobbin change, for almost any machine, long arm, or domestic), and act dumb and ask "How often should I oil this if I buy it?" :p You are more likely to get the truth that way. And the truth is really important on such a large purchase.

Another important consideration is learing how to operate it and having support for problems or trouble shooting. Will you have someplace to go if you need maintenance work on it? Even though it is a fraction of the price of a new machine, I would be hesitant to make such an investment if I didn't have somewhere to turn to for the learning curve and help if it isn't operating correctly. Or at least have a preliminary knowledge of LAQ by taking a class on any machine so you know how to load a quilt and operate the machine enough to be able to make an informed opinion when you go to test drive this set up.

I would be sure to have support with the machine, and test drive it before you purchase.

You could get a much newer machine for that price, I would think. Maybe they will come down.

I think that most longarm manufacturers have made huge improvements in the last 20 years. For that price I would look for something newer.

I have that machine and doing the math, yes it is about that old. I purchased it about 15 yrs ago from original owner. I have used it almost daily,m fanatic bout oiling, cleaning and I take the head to the factory every 3-4 yrs for a "spa day" . The techs there are the greatest....they give it a deep cleaning and check all the innards...only once in all that time did something have to be replaced...the belt! It does a great job for me, I do hand guided for clients. There is a learning curve....good lesson/class at the beginning is what I recommend...and then just take your time learning is a continuous thing. I don't have stitch regulator or computer assistance and after consulting awhile back w/ tech they and I both felt it unnecessary....I have learned the hard way some might say, but these are lessons that are now a part of my creative being...I enjoy the daily challenge and my stitches are as even as stitch regulated ones. One gets to know the feel of the machine and you work outa rhythm. Good luck with you purchase, if you decide to go this route.

Age and price don't match...I would offer less and walk away if they did not come down..I agree you could find something newer for that amount of money.

Check Longarm University for used machines. They have several APQS Ultima II's listed at $3000 each, one in CA and the other back east if I remember. Also an Ultima 1 for about the same price, as well as other brands all over the country.