I agree...let her pick it out. I personally would go for an all metal (gears and all) but preferably not aluminum body. Why? You or she can probably (maybe with the help of some of these board members) do all of the work on it...cleaning, oiling etc. You can oil those newer nylon/plastic things but you need to take them to the local repair guy once a year for proper cleaning. I own about 8 machines and the newest is a 25 year old Bernina that requires the local repair guy for cleaning yearly and can handle anything but then so can all the rest that I have and I can maintain them. Saves money for more fabric. Oops, I forgot...I do have a combo sewing/embroidery machine that is newer.