What would you do re machine repair?
08-12-2016, 09:15 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,504
Originally Posted by notmorecraft
To me $400 works out at $100 per year $2 a week if you've used it every week I would say machine owes you nothing, if it can be fixed for the $129 I would pay it but keep it as a backup machine and start looking for a new one. That's if you can afford to do that. If you can't afford another it's up to you to decide how much you pay to repair.
08-12-2016, 09:34 AM
#22
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
To respond to your question, I would look at it the same way I look at car repairs. If the cost to repair equals more than 50% of it's current value, I'd try to replace it. I couldn't find any information about pricing in US for your machine, so I'd go with standard depreciation rate for sewing machines which is 5%/year. That would make it worth $320 if it were fully functional. So, I would spend no more than $160 total (inspection & repair) on it unless I simply didn't have the additional $160+ to get a new machine.
If you do upgrade to a new machine (or new-to-you machine), see if they won't still give you something for trade-in value of your current machine. Even though it doesn't run, the parts are still worth something.
If you do upgrade to a new machine (or new-to-you machine), see if they won't still give you something for trade-in value of your current machine. Even though it doesn't run, the parts are still worth something.
08-12-2016, 09:42 AM
#23
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,336
Not sure where you are in So. Cal. but there are a few good Viking/Husqvrna dealers. The one I go to is fantastic, his prices are good and has the machines back in 24 hours. I would call and tell the repairman and ask for a guesstimate. Do the machine have fuses? For it to suddenly stop working it sounds like a loose wire. Do you move the machine a lot or does it sit in one place?
Thinking about the most I would spend to repair would depend on what I would pay to replace it. If you are willing to buy another machine for $400.00 then I would more than likely pay up to $200.00 to repair the one I have. But if it were going to cost me $1000.00 to replace it then I would probably pay up to $400.00. But knowing my DH, he would tell me to buy a new machine now, then later have the other machine repaired as a back up.
Thinking about the most I would spend to repair would depend on what I would pay to replace it. If you are willing to buy another machine for $400.00 then I would more than likely pay up to $200.00 to repair the one I have. But if it were going to cost me $1000.00 to replace it then I would probably pay up to $400.00. But knowing my DH, he would tell me to buy a new machine now, then later have the other machine repaired as a back up.
Last edited by quiltingcandy; 08-12-2016 at 09:47 AM.
08-12-2016, 10:41 AM
#24
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: So. California
Posts: 1,447
Originally Posted by zozee
Sounds like you've just about talked yourself into buying a new machine. As much as you sew, and you've clearly driven this one into ground with pleasure, I'd say go look for a new one. I think $129 is ridiculous for a mere diagnosis. My repair guy charges 20, and will credit it toward the repair. The heart of your machine has stopped beating.
If the motor were still strong, I'd pay up to 100 total to repair a $400 machine. I am with notmorecraft on the cost breakdown for using it. $2 a week plus a boatload of enjoyment. I would go shopping if it were me.
If the motor were still strong, I'd pay up to 100 total to repair a $400 machine. I am with notmorecraft on the cost breakdown for using it. $2 a week plus a boatload of enjoyment. I would go shopping if it were me.
well, funny thing, a very reputable sewing shop is having a Technology Party tomorrow morning in So Cal. To show off new Babylocks. An hour away from me- guess whose going! Lol haven't heard back from the repair guy. The more I think about it and the amount of time I have used the Enmerald, I think I can justify a higher end machine without embroidery. Already have the Horizon 12000 that I use just for embroidery. Don't really like piecing with it. Don't ask me why but I just find the feel different than with the Emerald. Time to test out different machines.
08-12-2016, 10:44 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 2,222
Originally Posted by Nanny's dollface
My 4 year old Viking Emerald 118 recently stopped working...no power no sound nada. I paid less than $400 and it has served me quite well as a work horse- piecing and quilting everything from coasters to a king size quilt and everything in between.
I dropped it off to have it repaired - just to have someone look at it will cost $129. Now waiting to hear what is wrong and the price to repair. If this was your machine what would be you max price for repairs knowing that you already need to pay $129 before buying another machine? i appreciate hearing your advice. Thank-you!
I dropped it off to have it repaired - just to have someone look at it will cost $129. Now waiting to hear what is wrong and the price to repair. If this was your machine what would be you max price for repairs knowing that you already need to pay $129 before buying another machine? i appreciate hearing your advice. Thank-you!
08-12-2016, 10:57 AM
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: So. Calif.
Posts: 286
A repair shop should give you an estimate on repairs,without a charge. I know of two sewing machine shops on So. Cal that giverepair estimates before charging the customer. They have display models on salefor about half off 8/12 and 8/13.
08-12-2016, 07:36 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,071
I have such a hard time reading posts like this. If we can't fix a machine, we would never expect a customer to pay. And we only charge $70 for a full service. It takes about 10 minutes to figure out if it's the circuit board. The only technician who can replace your circuit board is an authorized Viking dealer. The rest of us can't get the part. Definitely check your warranty. Bernina circuit boards are warrantied for 5 years, Juki has a 2 year warranty. But I don't know about the other brands.
08-12-2016, 10:55 PM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kenai, Alaska
Posts: 1,150
If I paid $400 for the machine 4 years ago and it would cost $129 just to get a diagnosis and that price not to go towards the repair and the repair comes to even $100 I would say buy another machine if I could afford it.
08-13-2016, 07:37 AM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,504
Originally Posted by Bree123
To respond to your question, I would look at it the same way I look at car repairs. If the cost to repair equals more than 50% of it's current value, I'd try to replace it. I couldn't find any information about pricing in US for your machine, so I'd go with standard depreciation rate for sewing machines which is 5%/year. That would make it worth $320 if it were fully functional. So, I would spend no more than $160 total (inspection & repair) on it unless I simply didn't have the additional $160+ to get a new machine.
If you do upgrade to a new machine (or new-to-you machine), see if they won't still give you something for trade-in value of your current machine. Even though it doesn't run, the parts are still worth something.
If you do upgrade to a new machine (or new-to-you machine), see if they won't still give you something for trade-in value of your current machine. Even though it doesn't run, the parts are still worth something.
08-13-2016, 08:54 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Posts: 376
Emerald 118 is a mechanical machine, and a workhorse -- known for durability. Perhaps you have worn it out. If you are ready to upgrade to a computerized machine, this would be the time. That said, if you can find a shop which would diagnose the problem and repair for a decent amount, it would make a fine back up machine...
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