Hi, You must be an Elizabeth. It's my daughter's name and all through elementary school she was called Lizard and
Lizardbreath (begun by a teacher, no less) and hated it.
Anyway, I have a Singer Stylist 534. Got it in 1977 and it was always a wonderful primary machine and is now a great backup machine. If the 513 is similar in quality I'd say it's well worth getting an estimate on repair/maintenance and keeping. These old machines are workhorses and if you're a beginning sewist it'll be great to start on and
then if you find you love sewing think about getting a newer machine. In short, there's a lot to be said for the old mostly metal machines.
I do however remember SewClassic (?) just recently mentioning here on the board that the machines of this era are nearing the end of life for the plastic gears inside. No idea what it takes to replace those.
I still say get an estimate from a Singer dealer. Good luck, welcome to the board and let us know, will you?
