Sewing machine, does it make sense to buy used?

[Anonymous]

I need to buy a sewing machine for a teen who knows how to sew but is a beginner. I have no idea about sewing and I’d rather not even start.
He insists on buying used or taking a free one off people’s hands.
I am quite reluctant as I think there’s a big chance that something is wrong with a used machine or the free one is not the model that’s good for a beginner.
Also I don’t want to deal with the whole pickup thing and want to just order of Amazon.
My teen is irrationally angry about spending money on it though.
What I don’t like is that he tells me that it’s not that hard to arrange a pickup for a used sewing machine. How does he know it’s not hard? For him it’s hard to put a jacket on a hanger and he is telling me something “isn’t really hard”?!
So there’s a lot at play here.

Anyway, am I right in just wanting to order a new machine and call it a day?
I am not rich but $200 isn’t going to put a big dent in my budget.

Help!

[Anonymous]

Yes.

That is the best way to purchase a sewing machine.

Look for an older model made in the USA or Japan, mid 90s or earlier, back when the important parts were still metal, not plastic. Avoid made in china from the 90s on. Those are full of cheap plastic and will break if he uses it often or on heavy duty stuff.

Get something simple, with straight, zigzag, stretch and blind hem. Don't waste money on fancy decorative stitches or a computer screen. He won't use or need 90% of the fancy stitches. Get a basic dial to switch stitches. If there is accommodation for a double needle (2 thread holders on top) that is a bonus.

Avoid singers, especially singers from the 90s on. 80s or earlier singers are fine. White brand is a solid, well made machine, as are any sewing machines used in home ec in the 80s or earlier.

Make sure it has a front loading metal bobbin. Don't waste money on a machine with a plastic drop in bobbin. Those tangle and break.

With the metal front loading bobbins, he can easily take apart the mechanism and clean it between uses.

Avoid the self threading machines. Get one where all the threading mechanisms are visible and accessible when you open the door.

You should be able to find a high quality older machine on ebay for $100.00 ish. Getting it cleaned and serviced, if necessary, should be less than $100.00. But it might not need that done, even if it is old.

[Anonymous]

I would not buy used as often they need serviced or repaired and its costly. Buy a $200 one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not buy used as often they need serviced or repaired and its costly. Buy a $200 one.

This is my reasoning too! -OP

[Anonymous]

01:50 is correct, MANY people buying machines with good intentions, and then realize they aren't going to actually use it. I am in my late-50s, a person who regularly uses my sewing machine (quilts, window treatments and the like, not clothing), and am on my 2nd machine, both bought used - I would never buy a new one

[Anonymous]

I think either is fine just wanted to say the teen boy “it’s not that hard, mom” eye roll when it’s hard for him to put a coat on a hanger made me laugh!

[Anonymous]

Get one for free! The chances of something being wrong with it are low and if something is wrong with it, look for another free one. Chances are he won’t be using it every day or his interest will be short-lived. No reason to spend $200 on one.

But if I have to buy one used or get a $200 machine then I would get the $200 machine.

[Anonymous]

You will get better quality used and possibly free or very cheap than whatever you can get for 200 dollars off Amazon. Lots of people upgrade to a better machine and just want to be rid of the old one without being wasteful-- they're not looking to get rich off of it.

[Anonymous]

Just say, "you make some good points. I'm willing to pay $200 and will drive you within a ten mile radius to get it. Show me the used ones you're interested in."

Make him do most of the work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get one for free! The chances of something being wrong with it are low and if something is wrong with it, look for another free one. Chances are he won’t be using it every day or his interest will be short-lived. No reason to spend $200 on one.

But if I have to buy one used or get a $200 machine then I would get the $200 machine.

I forgot to mention that Costco had sewing machine for sale. I think they were $180 last month. You should check there.

[Anonymous]

You want an old one with metal parts. News ones are all plastic and break.

[Anonymous]

Do not buy a junk machine on Amazon. It will be a source of endless headaches.

Find a better quality used machine under you budget and then get it serviced professionally.

[Anonymous]

I would 100% buy one off of Facebook Marketplace as long as you could try it out at time of purchase because you could probably get a nice one for cheap. I brought a little fabric with me to verify it worked properly.

[Anonymous]

It makes much more sense to buy used or pick up a free one. Older ones are much better made. I started using my mom's 1970s model when I was about 9 years old. Its not rocket science. Cheap Amazon ones are harder to use and more likely to break.
And I am glad your teen cares about the environment enough to avoid buying more plastic junk from China.
Not sure about the hassle factor - but let your teen do the arranging and make sure it's at a time convenient to you. I have found that most people are decent and just trying to rehome their used items.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not buy used as often they need serviced or repaired and its costly. Buy a $200 one.

I totally disagree.

The older ones are often bare used, and far superior quality to the newer machines.

-Professional designer and lifelong sewist