I am considering purchasing the HQ Avante and since it is their newest model, I was wondering from users how it is performing. I see several dealers are selling their floor models and wondering why. Has it been upgraded already?? Thanks for any input as this is financially a very serious purchase.

My Avante arrived just last week!

It has been very easy so far, a few tension issues and I need to test out different threads with different tensions but as a newbie to quilting and more especially a newbie to free motion machine quilting I cannot believe how easy and how satisfying the very early stages have been.
We are going to our dealer tomorrow for a few accessories so I will ask if she has heard if the machine is going to be upgraded or superceded by another machine. I do know she has an Avante in her store and uses it for teaching, rental and quilting so I cannot imagine there is any big change coming.
Good luck with your decision!!

I haven't heard about a new one coming out yet, other than a new sit down model. I do know that dealers trade off their demo models on a regular basis. They also sell demos that have been used at quilt shows and at market. I would just ask the dealers that you have seen selling theirs.

I am also looking to get an HQ Avante--just don't know how soon. I ahve been watching for a special to come. I do know that one of the Dealers about 3 hours from here told me he sells his floor demo model every 6 months at 10% off. I am going to be asking my nearest dealer (1 hour away) if she sells her demo model very often and if she discounts it. I would like to take advantage of buying it with no shipping cost and at 10% off. Ask you Dealer about it. I also have been looking at the Baby Lock Crown Jewel. I understand that they are mAde by handi Quilter. They look identical to the HQ Avante but for some reason (around here, anyway) they seem to run higher is price. But I did find one Dealer who was very comparible in price. It might be worth waiting just a bit yet to see if any of these companies offers a Xmas special. I am not set to buy right now because I have to sell my house first (I got married and moved) but I am hoping by April--TAX Seaon--that maybe some of the companies will offer savings to try to get people to spend their tax money. Hopefully by then my hosue will be sold and I can move forth with the long arm. Another idea is if there is any upcoming Quilt Shows in your area and you go first thing when the show opens and try to buy a floor model. You won't get to take it home until the last day--but I was at a Quit Slow in October and I could have bought the floor Demo and at least saved teh Shipping. Its not alot of savings but at least I would've savwd something. I couldn't purchase it at that time though as I have to sell my house first. Good luck to you in finding one to purchase at a good price.