Please help "Professional" espresso machine

[Robindianne]

Please help me with this. It isn't as important as world peace, happiness for all beings, or pure love, but it's more important than buying myself a new bag, eating strawberry shortcake, and even driving to the beach.

Our espresso machine is lasting less and less time after each $200 +/- repair. It's nearly 7 years old and was about 2K new. Times are different now and I can't justify paying 200 again for another repair that might hold us 6 months to a year. I also can't justify paying even 1K for a new one.

Does anyone have any recommendation of brand, etc? Ours is/was Saeco "super automatic" and could be programmed to strength of espresso, temp, ounces, ground the beans to your specs, etc. I know I was really spoiled but as Lucy would say, "Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I want my mocha machine." It's my one vice and I just cannot cannot cannot go back to the Mr. Coffee espresso machine of my teens.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Robindianne]

Bumping for help.

 

[AuntieKels]

Omg. I want one too! We are on our "Last Minute Save for Disney Budget" so no more Starbucks for me =(. I don't have any advice other then I know Starbucks employees get a great friends and family discount before the holidays on their machines (not sure if they are as good as the one your have now) so you might look into that.

Good luck and I hope someone can help because I woul like to know also!