Another machine question: Featherweight or light modern Jem or Passport?

[cathym]

If you had a choice of a Featherweight or a newer light weight machine with many more features, which would you buy?

I really need a machine for classes and have read the feedback on a couple recent threads. (Thanks to those posters.) I've been looking on Craigslist and Ebay for a Featherweight because people rave about them and because they are cute. The feedback on the other threads about the Janome Jem and Pfaff Passport is impressive and now I'm wondering if they would be a smarter purchase since they have so many features we're used to.

For those with Featherweights, do you spend much on repair? It seems half the people selling them don't sew and can't answer questions well. (One didn't know what feet are and 2 others just today said they don't sew, are just antique dealers.) I'm worried I'll end up with one needing a lot of work.

I have a Bernina Patchwork Edition that's about 10-12 years old as my main machine and it's heavy to take down 2 flights of stairs. I also have an antique Singer that I really don't use. I've had problems recently with tension issues when free motion quilting and also, the needle holder is slightly slanted, meaning I have to pay more attention to get a 1/4" seam. I've had it worked on, but need to take it again, I guess. I had problems earlier today and as I read the feedback, I wanted one of those. : )

Do any of you use the Jem or Passport as a primary machine or do you use mainly for classes/travel? I hate to spend 700 for the Passport just for classes.
Thanks.