I understand the desire for new, but many of the older machines are dependable and turn key. I currently have a Hardinge HLV-BK from the 1950s. It has been very reliable, (it is a bit heavy, so getting it into a basement is pretty much out of the question). Unfortunately, many newer machines tend to lack rigidity and will not hold up well in the long run.
My previous lathe was a South Bend Heavy 10, (the toolroom model with the extended feed range, twice the spindle speeds because of the two speed motor and flame hardened ways). The drawback is that the max speed speed is not as high as a newer machine, (but the lowest speeds in back gear can be very useful). The South Bend was a pleasure to use and I often wish that I still owned it. I used it for more than ten years and sold it for more than I paid for it.
The south Bend can also be dismantled, so it can be brought into a basement. In good condition, a South Bend Heavy 10 is a nice, rigid and accurate machine and they accept 5C collets and an AXA quick change toolpost, (a big plus).
If you want a machine that will last you a lifetime and don’t want to break the bank, a good vintage machine is hard to beat, (just my opinion).
