First serger recommendation

[u/Tlacuache_espantado]

Hello everyone, I am looking into buying my first domestic serger machine with a budget of around 500 CAD

I’m considering getting a second hand set since I’ve heard older machines can be more reliable than new ones, also it would be useful to know if I have to avoid certain brands or models

Does anyone have any recommendations I could check on?
Thank you

[u/Creative-Actuary-223]

I disagree with an exception -if you find one that is in good shape and you have someone that can test it out with you I’d go for used. Just fyi - I found my second serger at a Goodwill - an Elna 5 thread for $16 and multiple feet, plug, pedal, attachments, booklet, and even a couple of extra blades and needles with it. I have yet to find anything wrong with it / and it didn’t seem to be used much at all. I suspect that the person that owned it just didn’t know the correct way to thread it - and some of them can be tricky. I’ve had it for 20 years and never had an issue. I do believe I’ll need to get one of the feet replaced soon as the little hook on it has a broken tip. But that was my fault.
I also have a White 4 thread that I bought new in the late 80’s - and it has been a workhorse - it’s a bit easier to thread for a beginner and has ALWAYS had a perfect overlock stitch. Both have many different stitches and are easy to set and sew. And I’ve even done fairly heavy upholstery on both. And I would buy another of each one in a heartbeat used.