Like many others, I'm drawn to these machines but have been put off by the negative reviews. Rumor has it the mulitple problems with these machines have been fixed. I continue to read both good and bad reviews from people who have purchased recently. I guess that should tell me something but I really love the 4.0. Maybe the 2.0 or 3.0 is less buggy? Does anyone know the real deal on these at this point in time? FM is a priority so if they don't do that well, I will keep my Elna and live with its short-comings bc it does FM well.

I would also like to know the Current answer to this.. Have the worked out the bugs ? Thanks for asking

I think that chosing which machine is better is right up there with the pre-wash or not to pre-wash thing. You'll get so many different opinions depending on the expectations one had in a machine to the quality and service it gives. I know I've seen under google search places where you can compare machines but you may have to decide to either just try it out or not. With machines rather its a car or sewing machine there are lemons and there really well built ones of the same make and model. Good luck with you decision; they are so expensive and it's such a big undertaking because you can't be 100% sure. Ask the store thier return policy and how the warranty; does it fix it all or only certain things so if you have a problem you aren't stuck with added cost.

I have a 2.0 and I love it. I haven't had any issues with it. It free-motion quilts easily, too.

I can't help with input on the 4.0.

Oatw, can you please tell me what the motor amps are on your machine? Also can you give me an idea of cost on the 2.0?

The 2.0 was $999 recently as it was discontinued and there's two new Ambition models, 1.0 and 1.5, for $799 and $1099. There are probably still a lot of new, unsold 2.0's at dealers. Since much of the trouble was related to the thread cutter, the 2.0 and 3.0 wouldn't be affected by all the same problems. Personally, I would only buy a 4.0 with a written commitment from the dealer for at least a 90 day money back guarantee. A lot of dealers didn't acknowledge the problems and still don't. At least be sure to test drive the actual machine you'd get.

Thank you, everyone. Maybe I should just wait on the next incarnation of these machines and hopefully, they will be lots better. I know the Ambition line is fine and would not hesitate to buy one of those but its the 10" harp space that I really want. My current machine is like the Janome 6600 and its a work-horse so I worry I won't like the replacement as well. The 1/4" seaming isn't ideal on it and there's no free arm. I might investigate the Pfaff Smarter next.

I have a 4.0. Have had it for 2 years. I finally have it working, after many trips to the dealer, who replaced many parts. The dealer was good and the machine is finally working. but if I could afford to trade it for something else, it would be a gonner. I am not in love,and don't love the way it sews, my old phaff is still much nicer to sew with.

I so know the problem..I have a Pfaff 2140 (updated to 2170) that the touch screen will not work. The machine sews fine except you can't access anything requiring the screen. The closest dealer to me is 100 miles and an estimate of 350.00-500.00 to repair. So here I sit with a 5,000.00 machine that I can't afford to repair!! Consider all these things before purchasing a new machine.

I love my Exp 3.0!! I got it "gently used" which may mean that any bugs were repaired. Came with all the warranty, lessons and extra feet, etc. - just like new!

I also heard negatives about the 4.0, but maybe that has been solved, too. Only reason I'd like a 4.0 is for the knee-lift foot and the low bobbin alert!

Maybe you could find a good used one.

Did you see on another thread after yours; someone had the 4.o on sale; might be worth a look

I have a 3.0 and love it. Had to have it in the shop once in the 19 months I had it. the ffed dogs wouldn't come back up, something come loose. but I had toted it around out of neccessity.
I can FMQ with it--I'm not real good at it. The 3.0 has 139 built in stitches, has the Integrated Dual Feed (IDT) so there's no need for the walking foot. The 1/4 foot is very accurate also. Love it!:)

I have the 4.0 and love it so much. Bought it about a year ago after reading all the reviews, and after I heard that all the badbugs had been worked out. Mine has been perfect, a pleasure to sew with. I took it to a 3 day annual quilt retreat right after I bought it last year, really gave it a work out, and it's going to the same quilt retreat with me next week (but it's four days this year - yipee!!!).