Machine recommendations

I may be in the market for a new sewing machine soon. The one I have is in the repair shop, but I have my doubts that it'll be fixable. I need a good, sturdy machine for basic sewing. I'd be into buying a used machine of good quality, especially if it didn't have plastic gears. Any recommendations? Cost is also an issue. I'm not willing to pay an arm & a leg for the top of the line models.

Thanks

I use a Janome DC2007 and I LOVE it.  It does not have plastic innards.  I paid just over $400 for it, but I recently found one on Craigslist for $300.  It's a total workhorse and hasn't given me a day of trouble (aside from user error) since I got it.  The Janome Magnolia and the computerized version of the Threadbanger Janome are comparable I think to my machine.  Not having sewn on either of them, I can't tell you if they are as reliable. 

If you are willing to go vintage, the Singer slant machines are great too. They have all metal gears. Sometimes you can find them on craigslist for a decent price (less than $150). Thrift stores are also a great place to find them, especially in the northwest. Good luck with your search and happy sewing.

I have been looking into machines recently also and have read great things about the Janome MC 3000 (also sold as New Home HF 3000) it has gotten amazing reviews and is under $400 especially if you get a refurbished one.  I also am considering this deal I found on all brands.  http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp10726.html.  Happy shopping.

I started sewing on my mom's old Kenmore.  Had no serious complaints.
My 1st machine was a White.  Again, no complaints.
I upgraded to a Bernina 200E.  No problems with this unit.
Last fall I traded in the Bernina for a Pfaff Creative Vision.  Love, love, love it!

Now, in all honesty (and I'll never admit this to my husband), I 100% did not need the Bernina or the Pfaff.  My White worked 100% fine for what I used it for.  In fact, I kind of wish I still had it to use as a machine to take to classes and leave set up for paper piecing (then I would not have to change the needle when I go between fabric and paper).

I recommend that you really evaluate your needs and the type of sewing you do / want to do.  Then, go talk to as many dealers as you can.  There is a lot to chose from.

Have fun!

I bought my Bernina on Ebay for less than 300$ if that is w/i your budget...  It's an older model but works great!

I have a Pfaff 7530 and LOVE it.  It is a heavy duty machine that has handled tough projects, all the way to some delicately stitched baby blankets.  It comes with a lot of decorative stitching and quilt top stitching.  I have not had any problems with it.

I loved my basic White but after 18 years the tension issues could not be fixed.  I got another White very basic that has worked well.  I am glad I kept my old instruction book because the one that came with the new machine was a poor photocopy with poorly written text trying to say the same thing as the nice one from 24 years ago.

I have this Kenmore: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02016231000P?vName=Appliances&cName=GarmentCare&sName=Electronic&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

I love it, and it sews through anything.  It has gotten really good reviews on patternreview.com which is also a good resource if you are in the market for a new sewing machine.

If you're willing to go for a machine without zig-zag, I'd go for a pre-1960's singer or white.  They're all metal, and they last forever with good care.  Currently all my machines are pre-1940 except for my serger.  Some of the 1940's and 1950's machines do have zig-zag.

If budget is a serious issue find out if this is coming near you anytime soon

http://www.sewwithviking.com/viking/Default.aspx?

I will keep my first HV machine forever (as someone else mentioned to leave set up for paper piecing, basic sewing, specific projects) - but I love having an embroidery machine too. I NEVER thought I would, but after looking around and talking to friends and goign to a few dealers - this truck thing was the best pricing anywhere.