Buying a used machine

[gem]

I've been around these boards long enough that I know that some of the best advice handed round is to buy a great used machine from a reputable dealer, instead of a lesser new machine.

Ok.  Got it.  So today at the Bernina dealer, I test drove a 1090, which is (as far as I can tell) a machine from around 1990.  Let's ignore the fact that the dealer told me it was around *ten* years old (my sense of design knew better).  It was a great machine.  It had (almost) everything I could want, and a couple of things I probably don't care about.  The price was accurate for the market, and put the brand within what I'm willing to spend (there are cheaper entry level Berninas, but they have no features, so I kind of don't see the point.).

I also test drove a well-recommended new machine in the same price range.  It had a lot fewer bells and whistles, of course... but it was a great, solid, upgraded machine with a couple of new-in-the-last-20-years features that I kind of think would be really nice.

It was also new.  It was shiny.  It was *pretty.*  The used machine... it looked old and clunky.  It had somebody else's marks and stains and chips on it already.   And I *know* that shouldn't be a consideration... but we're creating beautiful objects of textile art here; can't I care that my tools are beautiful, too?

I *know* that buying the used Bernina makes the most financial sense... but do I *always* have to do the thing that makes the most financial sense?  Are there other considerations here that are valid, too?

I'm just musing aloud.  I drive a used car that I *adore.*  But, I don't know... I didn't feel the thrill I wanted to about the used Bernina.

Meh?

[RumbaRue]

I have a 1010 from 1987 and it works just fine. Came with attached box with different presser feet (I think I've use one other presser foot for something,
but almost always use the main one).

I've taken pretty decent care of it and clean and oil it whenever I've used it heavily.
I looked at the more expensive machines at the time and have looked at the current ones, and I came to the conclusion that mine pretty much did what the more expensive ones did and just couldn't see the point of upgrading.

[Queen_of_Navarre]

Last year I purchased a used Brother Embroidery machine. I wanted to learn and this one had a few of the nicer bells and whistles. I just had to put it into the shop and have the bearings and needle housing re-done. It was still worth the price. I am waiting for Christmas to be over and I will upgrade to a new, multi-thread machine. I spent the money to get the digitizing program so I can do my own original art. I have never regretted buying a used machine to learn on. Yes, it wasn't shinny and new, but it was sturdy and a great step.

[Pascal]

A 1090 looks a lot like an 1130 -- it was produced between 1991 and 1996.  It's an early computerized model and is a fine machine. 

The beauty of a Bernina isn't necessarily the appearance -- it's the fact that you pretty much never have to fight with it.  It'll sew whatever you want as much as you want without bobbin woes, thread tangles, needle jams, etc, etc, etc.  I've got several old Berninas going back to a 1950's 125 -- and they're all still going strong.   

The Bernie won't let you down -- but if it doesn't excite or inspire you, then it makes sense to look elsewhere.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

My previous two machines were used that I sewed on for many years. A Pfaff older than me and a simple Brother that I bought for $25. Because of all the sewing I do making garb and Alterations, I needed something brand spanking new that would prove to be my "workhorse" . I do not regret the money I spent on the Janome.

Good for you, gem!!  Something reliable is key to what you want to achieve. Used or new, it's what you want in a  sewing machine that matters.

[Kate XXXXXX]

My all mechanical 1005 is about 5 years old and has the same style and colour as the 1090.  So does the brand new all mechanical1008.  About 10 years old is about right.  If the price was right and you liked the feel of it while sewing, go for it.

What was the other machine you tried?