bernette line is it reliable?

Anybody know much about the bernette line form bernina. I was looking into buying a bernette 56 but I can't find a lot of reviews for it. I am learning how to sew and I am trying to buy my first machine. I know my budget is small so I am very limited in what I can get. I'm not doing any heavy sewing but I still want something that's reliable. I have been looking at this particular brand at my local dealer but I hear this isn't even a true bernina.

I have actually been wondering the same thing.  I was going to post a similar question, even!

So, can anyone help us out with some additional information?  Please and thank you!

I can only tell you what happened from my personal experience, but here goes:
I walked into a sewing machine dealer who sold Janome's & Bernina's. I told them how much I had to spend (less than $500) and they showed me a Bernette & a Janome. I test drove both and found the Janome more user friendly and thought the stitches were far better on the Janome as well.
I came home with a Janome and worked on her everyday for over a year. She does have some issues and I really don't use that machine much anymore, but I use it all the time to teach new sewers. (My machine of choice is an old Singer 201-2.)
I do have a Bernette serger and absolutely love it! It's over 15 years old and never lets me down.

For Christmas 3.5 years ago I bought a Bernette 65 for my 7 year old daughter.  She LOVES that machine.  My only issue with it is that it does not have a needle-down button.  Meaning that you can not set it to stop with the needle in the down position, like for turning corners, removing pins, etc.  Other than that I think it is an excellent machine.  My daughter has been sewing for several years and although I have another Bernina that is set up all the time, she asks to use her machine every time.  It is very user friendly.  Oh, and the other thing that I like is that the presser feet are very inexpensive.  I think it was like $6 for all the extra feet that we have purchased....like the 1/4" foot, the gathering foot, etc.  For the money I think it is a good investment!!!  If you have any other questions let me know.

Cindy
www.sew-blessed.blogspot.com