A bernina 930, an old one.
 

I was up at my local bernina dealer today and was shown a bernina 930 record that was being sold on consignment for about $375 -$475. It is showing a bit of wear on the paint on the free arm at the front and back and at the trap door for the bobbin. Not something that could not be repainted or ignored if one wasn't bothered by such. I sewed a bit on it and it seems to be in good working order, and the dealer is one I trust when he says it is in good mechanical shape. Other than the cosmetics, I am thinking of buying it, but I wonder if anybody has any thoughts. I have seen pristine ones going for almost a grand, but that is more than I want to spend on an old sewing machine.
What say you?

John.

My Mom has had her #930 for years and gives it a good workout...I think it has another 20 years in it...
The price doesn't seem bad...check her out...bring in a sandwiched scrappy and play before paying...

They routinely go for much more than that locally. What accessories and feet come with it? I agree you need to sew on it yourself, but it will probably go another 20 years with routine maintenance.

Pam

I bought mine in 1981 and I will never (willingly) part with it. It is a work horse.

I have a 1030 which I've been told is very similar
It's been sewing like a dream since the late 80s - I love it.
Your price seems good.

I did sew on it a bit, and it seems very tight and not sloppy at all. As I said, I do trust the dealer. He has been quite good to me over the years and has never tried to put one over on me. We are actually friends, so I guess that counts for something. It is on consignment so he doesn't stand to make a lot of money on the deal, and would be selling it to me for what he could get it for. I think he has just serviced it as it has a service tag still on it. I only talked to his son, as he was not there at the time and the sone said he would have his dad call me with all the particulars. I guess I will just have to wait and see what gives.
John

If there are a lot of feet and accessories with it, it's well worth the price!

get it. My mom had one until she died and refused to buy a later model or different brand. she refused vehemently loving her machine best

I purchased my Bernina 1530 Inspiration in 1994 or 1996 and love it. I would buy that one just because of the price and the name Bernina, if it comes with the aaccessories that would be even more awesome. Good Luck. Teresa

Yes. A great mechanical machine is something to keep forever ;)