One of these vintage machines or something else?

[sweetcheeks]

My sewing machine is just a cheapie display model that DH bought me from Walmart. It costs more to get it serviced than what he paid for it. And ever since DD knocked it off the table about a year ago, it has just been "off," in spite of going in to be repaired/serviced. So I'm looking at replacing it but what I've been reading has basically said to go with an older, vintage machine vs. buying new (or newer used, in my case).

If I want to go this older machine route, I have a few choices. My MIL has a couple machines -- one is a Singer Stylist 513 and the other is an Elna. My MIL isn't sure on the model of the Elna but she said it says Duplex and Jubye or Tubye (she can't quite tell). DH's aunt actually used it in her home ec. class so it's about 35-40yrs. old. The other is my mom's old machine, a Kenmore. My mom isn't sure on the age of it, as my grandfather bought it for her used. I did some searching and her machine looks alot like this.

So if you were me, would you choose one of those 3 and send it in for a service or should I look at a newer used Janome or something similar? I mainly do clothes sewing for my crew and for gifts so I don't need anything too fancy but I need it to be better than the current pile o' poo I'm using now. TIA for your help!

[Think of Winter]

I think the Singer and Kenmore are not highly-sought-after machines. I have a Stylist 457 that is pretty good, but the plastic gears eventually go. Are they all in working condition? Could you borrow them long enough to try them out? Do they all do a zig zag? Do they have manuals and parts? You can most likely get those things, but it will add to the cost of getting it up and running.

I'd like to see the Elna!

[sabrinat]

I would love to know the model # of the kenmore. Many of them from the 1960-70's are made by a japanese company called Maruzen-Jaguar and are actually very good machines.
However, I have an elna and she really is awesome. Elna is another Swiss made machine known for it's quality back in the day (think Bernina) and those vintage Elna's have a very loyal fan base, currently Elna is owned by Janome and I don't know if it enjoys the same reputation and quality but the older Elna's really are very nice. I think I'd pick either the Elna or the Kenmore. I think you will end up with a pretty decent machine. I know many people love their Janomes...I just wasn't one of them.

[Timmie]

If the older Kenmore is in good shape & doesn't need servicing, take it. It should be a good, hard-working machine. I just gave my 40-yr. old one away & it was working as well as the day I bought it.
If it needs servicing I would pass. With older machines the 2 things that most often break are the tensions or the timing. Once the timing goes you will have to get it worked on every few months.
I suggest spending about $200 on a new machine. The Kenmores are a good machine, made by a major manufacor of machines. It is worth the price to get a machine you won't have to worry about or keep spending money on.