I went and looked at and tried both the Janome Horizon and the Elna Excellence. Cannot decide which one the purchase. Maybe you all can help me make up my mind. The dollar difference between the two is about $300. I really should not be purchasing one but decided to treat myself after 5 years of devastating and very depressing and stressful events. This is now coming to an end and beginning a whole new set of problems so this will be my "Bright Spot". This will definately be my last machine (present one is about 20 years old).

Thank you for your input.

They are the same machine so i would go with the cheapest in my personal opinion

They have the same factory built specs. but different companies. I'd go with the company with whom I feel will give me the best support and warranty service. Compare apples to apples.

I have just bought the Janome Horizon and I tried FMQ for the first time last night and I AM IN LOVE!!!!!!! :)
The only negative to report so far is that it doesn't have a low bobbin warning, I have alway wanted one, but never had a machine with one so it's no big deal.

choose the one with the best tech/service available-close-
when making such an investment you should take advantage of the free owners classes dealers offer- so choose the one with the dealership you will want to visit-and take classes with.
when i bought my viking i had to drive almost 100 miles- for 3 different days to take the classes- they were worth it- i learned everything about my machine- --- so often people buy machines and never learn all the great things they could do with it- if they just took advantage of those classes.

Both are great machines. It's a hard choice. Sorry I can't help. I love my Horizon, but my friend loves her Elna.

I second that. Pick a dealer that offers great service.

Are they both at the same dealer? Or are they at two different dealers? If you are that close in your decision it could be the dealer/service, you like the best. Another thought, what are all the 'extras' that come with the machine? I like 'package' deals 8-) Plus, what does it cost to purchase extra feet/accessories? Just a few ideas to think about. :?

I have had my horizon for over a year and it is AWESOME.

Thanks everyone. I just found an add for a used Horizon (2 months old) for a very reasonable price so that will for sure make up my mind if it is still available. It comes with table, extension table and one year warranty oh and one of those rolling totes too. Let you know how I make out. Both of the dealers are very close to each other in distance. Thanks for your input. It was coming down to which color I liked better - blue or red - however I really like that little round dot button for doing circles on the Elna. LOL