repair old machine or invest in new one?

[icxcnika]

I have a nice, basic Kenmore from the early eighties. I am at least the third owner, and have had it now for several years. It worked great for awhile, but then it was apparent that the machine needed a general tune-up, but I wasn't able to do it. A while later the bobbin winder stopped winding (I'm assuming it might be something as simple as a new belt that's needed), and then over the course of the last several months the power cord (an old one with two small prongs) slowly stopped making the necessary connections and now I can't even get the machine to turn on. Since the cord is connected to the pedal as well, I'm not sure how simple it is to replace(??)

So, if you were me, would you invest in various byzantine repairs for the old machine, or would you simply invest in a new one? If I bought a new one, it could not be an expensive one. But I kind of wonder if the cost to repair the old one would be about the same as a new machine anyhow.

Any advice?

[Think of Winter]

It sounds like you like sewing on it. I'd at least get an estimate on the repairs and talk to the repair person about whether it will last for a while. If it's got a lot of plastic parts, it may not be worth repairing.

If I had to replace my machine, I'd choose another vintage Singer. If you're lucky, you can find one at a thrift store, yard sale, or Craig's list for practically nothing. But most old machines are still going to need a little tune up, so add $100 to the cost. If you spend a little more, like $200, you should be able to get one in excellent condition, and have a machine that will last a lifetime. What to choose depends on what you sew the most. Clothing, quilts, home dec, etc.

I do a little of everything, so I wanted an all purpose machine for crafts and clothing with built-in zig zag. I was given a 457 that's makes a perfect stitch, but it does have a plastic gear, and so not as durable as an all-metal machine. I also have a 500 that has a few more stitches built in, and is rock solid metal everything. It's also beautiful. A singer 401 is the same machine as a 500 with slightly different case.