I don't have much to add - my machine is 25 year old Kenmore workhorse. The repair/service lady I use says to hang on to it - it is one of the last ones that is all metal inside. She is very emphatic about staying away from newer Singers - she sees way too many of them with major problems because they are very cheaply made nowadays.

My wish list for when/if I ever get a new machine is pretty simple. A basic alphabet for labels and a serpentine stitch are what I really want.