The 401 (and 500) are probably the last great sewing machines made by Singer. They have masses of stitches, take cams (for embroidery stitching) are almost completely metal, have internal gear driven motors. And will very likely never wear out if they’re oiled and cleaned regularly. They’re dress makers (will do a lot of household work but don’t jam veg tanned leather through them) and have great visibility and foot clearance... but they are a little quirky.
@UttaRetch you can get a cam driven button holer that can make buttonholes easier and more consistent. - I would say give your mums machine a go, they’re not too bad and AK3 is the straight stitch setting:)
@manuela - if I had family that close I’d be tempted even tho I already have one