Would you fix or buy another?
 

My Bernina Activa 240, that I bought new in 2006, decided to stop working. I took it to my LQS who has Bernina, Janome, Pfaff and Juki and was told it needs a new board which will cost $279, with the inspection and service it will be $379. I think that is high and I am not sure if it is worth it or not. I have a call in to the store manager but she is gone until Friday afternoon. Luckily I have a small Janome to use as a backup which does fine for piecing but I will not quilt on it. Does any one have an idea if it is worth fixing?

How much would it cost to buy a mchine as good as or better?

How well did you like using it?

Knowing what the 240 cost new, and what you would have to pay for a new machine if you stuck with Bernina, I think the repair cost is worth it. But, it does depend upon how much you want to keep sewing on that model. Kind of worries me to hear it, I have the 220 that I purchased in 2009, but I have not used it that much because I don't have a lot of time to sew except during the summers.

My rule of thumb is, does the fix cost more than buying an equivalent? If so, I have struggles paying more for the fix.

For example: I have a Pfaff Hobby that they said service and fixing the timing would cost 400$. Ummmm Hello that was more than I paid for it twice over! So it became a door stop for a bit, then it found a home with a woman who wanted a machine who's hubby was a tinkerer. She is thrilled and he is able to maintain it for her.

I second everything the others have written! And knowing what Berninas cost, if you liked the machine before it developed problems, I'm confident it's worth fixing.

I had to put a new S-Print (computer) in mine last year. I have a 630. It cost me $500. But my machine would cost me $5,000 to replace. Now I need a new computer screen, which they have not had available to even install it and that will run me around $400 ish. But it's still much less than a new machine.

I would think it would cast alot more to replace it than to have it repaired.

Do you like it? If so, then fix. If you don't, maybe it's time to shop for a new machine.

Is it worth it to you?

I have just been talking to my Bernina Tech (Son) and he has suggested if you haven't turned
on the machine for awhile you turn it on and just let it sit for a hour or so on. There is a jelly in the board that can go a little on solid side , can also happen in the cold you have to warm the jell up again and your machine will work again , it is something they have recovered happens with that model machine . Worth a try , Cathy