Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

Bernina 630 Should I buy a used one?
Jannerie Advanced OH USA Member since 2009 Posts: 94	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/20/12 8:56 AM My Pfaff dealer has a trade in Bernina 630 with the embroidery unit and Designer 6 software for $1599. Should I buy it? First, I do not need a machine. I love my Pfaff Creative Sensation. Second, I have no idea how old the machine is. It could be up to 7 years old. Could the motherboard go out soon. Has anyone had that happen? My dealer will not be able to offer much support and I don't know if the local Bernina dealer will offer any support since I did not buy it frm her. Is the software hard to learn? Has anyone had any problems as the machines age? The reviews when they first came out were good. Thanks. ------ Pfaff creative Sensation, Singer 15-91,237,221,328K,301,301a,401,403,404,500,503 Bernina 630, 125jubilae Viking 6020
Maia B Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 2010 Posts: 1855	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/20/12 9:05 AM Sounds like an excellent deal to me, if it sews well and is in good condition. I can't imagine a dealer selling one that's not. When I bought my 440 used, the dealer included classes and a one year warranty. I bought my 630 used from a PR member just recently, and paid much more than $1600, with MANY extra feet but no embroidery unit. I didn't need another machine either, but I thought it was a super deal, and I still do. Keep in mind that if the machine is over 5 years old, the boards wouldn't be covered by the new buyer's warranty anyway. For that price, you could afford a few repairs. Be sure to test drive it, and iron out the dealer's return policy and dealer warranty (if any). So far, I love my 630 even more than my 440. I really enjoy having both 5.5mm and 9mm stitch width machines. ------ Berninas 820 QE, Artista 630 PQE, Aurora 440 QE, Activa 240, 930 Record, and 731 Baby Lock Quest Plus, Featherweight 221s...
SewBusy63 Advanced IA USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1508	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jannerie Like this post Date: 1/20/12 12:11 PM It sounds like an excellent deal if the machine is in good working condition. Have you sewn on it to see if you'll like it? I had the 635, which is the same machine except for the face plate. I loved it! It was easy to use and sewed beautifully. I've heard the software is excellent and you can do a lot with it. There are yahoo groups you can join that give excellent support for the Bernina and the software. You can tell how old a machine is by the serial number on the back. Quote: Sometime around fall of 2008, Bernina's serial numbering system was changed. If your Bernina is from that time or is newer, then look for the serial number (aka Ch.Nr. = Chassis Number) which is an 8 digit number. The date code should be listed next to the serial number after a small space and will be shown in a Year/Month format. For example, my 830 reads 49/02 which means it was "born" in February of 2009. ------ ~Diana~ ♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger ✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 2011 Posts: 593	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jannerie Like this post Date: 1/20/12 1:35 PM Jannerie, That is an amazing price for used 630E and software too! Seee if the dealer will give you a 90day warranty on it. (30days is min.) Test it and make sure it sews perfectly. If the mother board goes, which it may not for years or ever... find out what a motherboard costs. Just so you know. The software, if its the whole package, retails for around 2000 depending on when you buy it. The 630 new with emboidery is around 4500. You can use your Pfaff soft ware on it too but it will be easier with ther Bernina software. (not that I know much about it) Others on the board do know a lot. You can also pick up a BSR if you want for around 400 to 500 on ebay, sewitsforsale or in the classifieds here on PR. I say go for it. I have the 635E with BSR and Love it best machine I have ever had. -- Edited on 1/20/12 1:39 PM --
MyAnn   Advanced FL USA Member since 2007 Posts: 89	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jannerie Like this post Date: 1/20/12 4:32 PM Jannerie: I am also looking for a Bernina 630 and this is an unbelievable deal. They are listed on Ebay for $2K and over sometimes without the software or embroidery unit. My dealer is selling a demo for $3700. Wish I had a dealer that got in used Berninas. None of the dealers that I have been to take trade ins, or if they do they have them sold before they get to the store. Good luck with your decision. ------ MyAnn Viking Designer 1, Janome MC6600P, MC5200, Viking Huskylock 905 Serger, Singer T&S 750, Singer 15NL, Davis Vertical Feed Treadle, White Treadle
SewBusy63 Advanced IA USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1508	Login to reply to this post In reply to MyAnn Like this post Date: 1/20/12 6:03 PM I think $3700 is actually a good price for the demo 630 if it comes with the BSR and embroidery module (my dealer has it packaged this way for $4599). It should come with the full factory warranty. Have you tried the Sewitsforsale yahoo group? You can place an ISO add. ------ ~Diana~ ♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger ✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
Restart06   Advanced Beginner USA Member since 2006 Posts: 1469	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/20/12 7:10 PM That is an excellent deal!!! I would sew on it and if you liked it and have the $, buy it! Great deal!!! ------ There is no easy way! quote from my Grandfather Sharing is caring! 27.5 yds sewn in 2012 with more cut out 3 unfinished projects completed!!
MyAnn   Advanced FL USA Member since 2007 Posts: 89	Login to reply to this post In reply to SewBusy63 Like this post Date: 1/21/12 4:44 PM Hi SewBusy63: I keep my eye on SewItsForSale, Craigslist, and Ebay. I am a patient person and will get a real good deal on a 630 someday. The $3700 did not include the BSR...so I passed it up. Right now I am fed up with my Janome machines...MC6600 is in route back to Janome and we will see how that turns out. I loved it until a year ago when it started chirping/squeaking and finally was kicking the fabric to the right and then the stitch length wouldn't work. My dealer played with it for a year and 3 trips. The MC5200 is a nice machine, but the bobbin pops a bit...I do not like that noise. There is nothing wrong with the stitches or the machine. It sews perfect...but sometimes it also moves the fabric at the end of a line of stitching. I did buy an MC11000...and I did not bond with it at all. Sold that to a good friend and she absolutely loves it. I want a Bernina for precision (would like to start entering quilts in competition), so I am going to take a free class next Wednesday to sew on a 5 Series Bernina. Just because... We will see how that goes and if I like the new 5 Series. I am such a frugal person though, and cannot see paying a lot of money for a new sewing machine when I can get a used or demo for less money. I do have a girlfriend with a used Bernina 1530 for $500. I know she does not have the walking foot or the 1/4 inch foot...but she is going to let me take it home to try it out. If I like it, I will buy it and patiently wait for a 630 to come available for $1500 to $1700. I hope to keep the MC6600 for the FMQ as it does that wonderfully and getting rid of the MC5200. Besides, I have been paying too much attention to all you SMAD people and now I am figuring about joining y'all... ------ MyAnn Viking Designer 1, Janome MC6600P, MC5200, Viking Huskylock 905 Serger, Singer T&S 750, Singer 15NL, Davis Vertical Feed Treadle, White Treadle
RadarRadiance Intermediate NV USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1201	Login to reply to this post In reply to MyAnn Like this post Date: 1/21/12 5:51 PM I do love the Bernina machine but the 1530 I had always hummed when it was on and drove me nuts. I also couldn't get used to the track ball even though some people love it. The machine made a perfect stitch, buttonhole and sewed out of this world. I did sell it and took a loss. It is all up to what you like. $500 sounds like a great price for that machine.
SewBusy63 Advanced IA USA Member since 2007 Posts: 1508	Login to reply to this post In reply to MyAnn Like this post Date: 1/21/12 6:07 PM I am sorry to hear your 6600 is on its way back to Janome. I am glad they are doing something about it. A year is a long time. Why didn't he send it back sooner? Have fun at the Bernina class. That's how I got the SMAD to buy the 830. Took a free 3 hour workshop and was wanting one! So, be careful! Frugal is good. Keep in mind a new machine will come with a full warranty, mastery classes and dealer support. Also keep in mind while $500 is a good price, if there are any repairs they will be costly and computerized parts may no longer be available. I would ask the Bernina dealer if they are and perhaps get an idea of cost for repairs. As much as I loved my Janomes, except the 7700 lemon, I am glad I switched to Bernina and will never go back. -- Edited on 1/21/12 6:08 PM -- ------ ~Diana~ ♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger ✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝

Go to Page: 1 of 32 of 33 of 3

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.