Although lots of people may love their Singers, I can tell you that many, many people I see in my quilting classes are quite unhappy with the quality of current Singer machines...they are definitely NOT our grandmothers' Singers. They are mostly plastic and it's next to impossible to get servicing for them. Please think about going to a reputable sewing machine dealer (Bernina, etc.) and getting a "pre-loved" machine, which usually comes with a full warrantee. It will cost you more than a new Singer but will give you years of wonderful sewing if it can be tuned up or repaired locally. Sewing machines are precision instruments with hundreds of parts; you will get what you pay for. Everyone is price conscious in this economy, but IMHO, it is better to invest in a quality machine that can do more, run more smoothly and be repaired if necessary. Good luck and let us know what you get!