Oh! What to do??
 

So, I took my HQ16 to the shop..just got a call the electrical boards need to be replaced. I am the second owner and I have had it for 6 yrs. The cost of replacing these boards are $500 each plus $250 labor..1,250. for the repair. If I trade it in I can get a new Sweet Sixteen for $4999.

I asked about the guarantee for this work and he said 6 months. They don't usually do this type of major work on long arms most people just trade up. I think the Sweet 16 is for sit down table and I have a 10' frame..I don't think it has rear handles.

I am leaning towards just repairing.

tough decision. I'm no help for you. Here I was bemoaning having spent $325 for a routine maintenance on my 2006 Gammill this week!

The Sweet Sixteen is a sit down, but the Simply 16 is a frame machine. It is often sold with the little foot frame, but can go on other Frames too.

If you like your current machine, repair it. Even if you repair it and sell it in a couple years, you will get back the cost of the repair when you sell.

I had this dilemma with my sewing machine. For me, it was best to buy new - get a new warranty, no hassles, no more repairs. I was bringing my machine in every two weeks, and after 6 months, I was done. Just my two cents. Good luck on your decision.

And people say repairs on a Harley are expensive! I spent $350+ earlier this month when my front forks had a malfunction & spewed the black, oily lube all over me & the bike. So gross.
Four years ago I took my 40 year old Singer in after a gear (plastic) broke. The part was cheap enough but the labor was $250 or more. I decided to donate that one & bought a new machine for just a little more. I think on all repairs, no matter what item, it’s the labor that jacks up the cost.

I can understand the cost of the board but I think the labor $$ is way too high. If it were me, I would call HQ and talk to them about it. They are very helpful and can give you an idea if this is fair and maybe talk to you about the expected life of the new repair. I had the 16 and have moved up to the Advante (18) and love it. Good luck

if you like the machine get it fixed.
My 2 cents :) If you own everything free and clear, don't have any bills treat yourself to a new something.
easy peasy.

I would go for a bigger new one. You may have years before you have this problem again.

That's too much money for me to have only a six month warranty, so I'd trade up, but not for a sit down machine, for another longarm. If this dealer doesn't have a suitable longarm to trade, I'd look to make the deal with another dealer who has what I want. Good luck to you.

I agree with you. Since it’s a used machine and they can only give a 6 month warranty, seems that’s quite a bit of money for such a short guarantee. If you can buy new, that would be my recommendation. Best to you.