In a former life I repaired sewing machines. Singer built a reputation for durability, and their old machines still perform much as you describe. Modern Singers, however, are bottom-of-the-market plastic chunks of crap, their reputation running off the fumes of a bygone century. Janome and Brother machines are pretty OK, a decent balance of lower cost with reasonable durability (some plastic wear parts meant to be replaced over time).
Bernina mechanical parts are incredibly solid but their electronics are as vulnerable to failure as everything else nowadays.
Bernina mechanical parts are incredibly solid but their electronics are as vulnerable to failure as everything else nowadays.