A long arm is just like any other sewing machine, it may just need to be serviced, but it also may need major work done on it. You did not say how often she has used it. It may be seller is not really comfortable using it. Can you find a dealer to talk to about the problems? They may be able to give you some Idea what the problem may be. Is the machine still under it's warranty? If so would the seller be willing to have it checked out? When was it last serviced, and where. Could you contact the service rep. and ask condition of machine and any major problems that were found. Are there classes local you could take if you did buy the machine? From what you have said I would not invest in it without more information on the machine.