Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Going to do the thrift shop thing first. Have looked online but I want to be able to touch it and as you say "test drive" it. :)

agreed!!!!!!

Another vote for the older 1970's 158 series Kenmores! Sturdy, reliable, inexpensive. Readily available cams and parts. The 1802 is a bit newer but more attachments.

I'm just getting into Kenmores- I like the little ones like the 1040,1030. I also just found the 1802 - love how it sews but didn't realize at the time that the needle sits just left of center- not fully left but enough to throw off the 1/4 inch foot (if they even make one for the super high shank or whatever it's called) I'm thinking I'll use mine for aprons, placemats, etc or quilts where I don't need 1/4 inch (string quilts, all squares, paper piecing)

I inherited a bunch of estate sale/garage sale machines from my mom and they include 401, 403, 500, 503 singer. haven't had time to sew a lot on them but between the 401 and 403 I enjoyed the403 more - it doesn't have built-in stitches it's straight stitch unless I put in a cam. just seemed less intimidating

with the newer machines I've see pfaff passport and another fo$600 and $800 and I sometimes use a Janome Harmony 8080 (got on ebay several years ago under $200 - but it has to go to the shop because it rode around in he car and guess it had enough - time for it's cleaning anyways.

I just got a Kenmore low shank that I think I'll like- 1430 -not a whole lot of stitches but enough. will have to give al my machines more time to see what grows on me

If the machine is going to stay in Florida, I'd say a Singer 401 or Singer 500. That may be a couple years earlier than 1970, but they are good work horses, have a variety of stitches (with cams), and you can probably get one in a cabinet for not a lot of money, maybe $40-$60, depending. The only thing to remember about these machines is that you have to oil them again before using them if you let them sit. Also, be very careful/gentle with the door/hinges on the far left of the 500, over the needlebar.

I see them for that price but they usually need about 8 - 10 hours of TLC.

I have a Kenmore 1521 I used ot years and it is a great machine, bought it new in late 70's.

If you had a Touch and Sew ( one of my very favorites) and you really liked it keep looking one will show up for you. :)

One other thing to consider if you are buying any sewing machine. Can you see the needle with out ducking your head? Maybe that is why I like the old Singers and the slant-o-matics.

Stick with a 600 or 603 on the Touch & Sews and you won't have any plastic gears to contend with.
Rodney