Darcyshannon

I have old Singers and a newer Bernina. I agree it is easy to maintain and I never have trouble that some seem to have with their machines. I do think it depends on what people want. Also, I think that it is hard for some to switch from one brand to another.

Since Bernina has done well for me I would have no reason to try another brand and I don't upgrade to newer models

jcrow

When I first bought my Bernina, I came here on the board to tell everybody. Big mistake! Many people said negative things about my machine. It was awful. Now I never say what kind of machine I have or I talk about my other two that I don’t use. Why do people dislike Bernina so? Most of them never owned one ever.

RotaryQueen

If you read the above 22 comments fairly, only one was actually negative.
The original question, paraphrased, was "what makes Berninas worth the higher price people seem to be paying?". I interpret the answers as personal opinions based on a range of personal experiences, not negative commentary. I, too, have wondered about the Bernina "cult", as one blog writer called it. I have nothing negative to say about the two I have, but as Cari and others also commented, I would put other vintage machines on an even footing with my vintage Berninas. Except for the ease of accessing for maintenance and the presser foot lift. I was immediately delighted by the advantage of those two things in the 830 record.

bearisgray

Why were Cadillacs considered superior to Fords?

They both were "just vehicles".

Cari-in-Oly

Another matter of opinion, not everybody thinks so. My grandfather would only drive Fords so my mom is the same. Her cousin would only drive Cadillacs. Back in the late 90s I had an '83 El Dorado. Nice ride until it needed work. The special Cadillac specific tools cost more than the parts. I got rid of it after that.

Cari

RathdrumGal

I love the fact that you work on your own machines. I just bought a circa 1997 Bernina 1008. I would like to get a service manual -- not an instruction manual. Do you know where I could get one? Thanks!