So where is this great sale??? I might need to go! All the others have given you great advice. I've purchased a few machines used - mostly singers, either at yard sales, craigslist, whatever. Never had a problem with any of them and I won't pay alot of money for a vintage machine. I got my FW for $40 and my 66 Redeye for $50. Paid $35 for a 99-15. Just make sure everything turns and you can get everything that comes with it. If it's a vintage machine there's not much to go wrong with them that can't be easily (and reasonably) fixed.