Stop by a shop that sells machines and inquire. It might be a good idea to have a third-party opinion so that both of you are feeling it was a fair deal.

I have purchased 3 (and sold one much to my husbands delight...and the friend I sold it to!) I paid $200 and $300 for the black ones and $275 for the white one. I have been traveling with the white one and LOVE it!

Have you checked E-Bay ?

If they work decent and have the manual and accessories and decent condition, the lowest I've seen is $250 and it had a little rust. Most here start at $300.00 and up. Went to an estate sale and the one they had was sold for $400.00. Had a Bernina there for $35.00 with most of accessories and manual. Needed work. Weighed a ton. I started to go for it but little girl got there ahead of me.

No one has mentioned the bobbin case. Does it have one? You need to try it out. The max I would go is 300 if it is in excellent condition. Decals and paint, no scratches. I have 4. One is very loud, nothing wrong with it. It was just used alot early on. See if you could trade your friend for anything too. Let us know what you decide.

I have just within the last year bought two 1950 featherweights (one for me and one for my daughter). I paid about $250 for each one. Both were in excellent condition(no scratches, gold intact, motors worked fine), had the manuals (which were also in perfect condition) had the original grease tubes and oil, one had the vintage walking foot, all the attachments were in their original box, the carrying boxes were in excellent condition (latches worked, no rips inside or out and were in general good condition for something that was as old as I was - lol).

Yes, while I agree the price varies around the country, my daughter who was in Baton Rouge for many years and had looked at several down there thought that I had gotten a decent deal.

I live in the Midwest and I purchased one for 500.00 it is in mint condition and sew like a dream! Unfortunatly after I bought it I have lost interest in it, so I am thinking about selling it. I got it out of the case long enough to sew a doll dress... !

Give her a price that you are willing to pay and can comfortably afford. If you really want it your price will be higher. If it is something that you think would be cool to own, maybe offer her less.