My sewing machine might be dead, can you recommend a new one?

[Suddengeekgirl]

My sewing machine is in for repair resurrection it's an elna tsp so I think it's about 40 years old.

I'm hoping the nice man can fix it but I am also a realist and he said some parts are very hard to find.

So can you recommend me a new one.

I have a budget of £200 but would like to spend less.
I have so far only used my elna for curtains and trouser hems, oh and a hooded towel for dd. I would like to try quilting and maybe some appliqué.

I had a quick look at the janome 2070 in the shop, and the janome 525, j3-18 and j3-24.

Any recommendations/ things to think about?

Thanks! :)

I have a Janome one from Dunelm I get on with that OK.

Which one is it?

Is it bad if I'm secretly hoping the old elna is dead so I can buy a new machine?

I've also got my eye on an elna explore 320. It's £189 in john lewis and I have a £20 JL voucher.

I got mine on sewing machines direct, brilliant. I was so impressed. It was a own brand one but when it came it had frister+rossman on the side, I think they're quite good? I've had it two years or so and made lots of stuff, cushions, teddies, nursing bras etc. It came with quite a few accessories and a quilting table for not much extra.

www.sewingmachines.co.uk/frister_sew.htm

Mine was the SMD 761 but ex demo so was around £120 in the end. It sounds like a proper plug, but I really was impressed. Not used them since- not had to really, the stuff lasts ages.

The nice sewing machine man phoned.
It needs a new gear, which he may or may not be able to source.

I've set a limit on how much to spend on repair so will wait and see what he says.