I don't have any of them. I'm happy with my Juki TL98QE and Babylock Jane. I only make quilts and do FMQ, all I need is a straight stitch machine and don't mind oiling them at all. I make 15-18 quilts a year and most are large quilts. Not many no - oil machines would last long like that.
Try them all out and pick according to what you need/want. Good luck.

I would immediately rule out the Elna. Elna does not have a good reputation these days for sewing machines (although some of the vintage Elnas are gems!). Both Janome and Viking have great reputations.

I am a Janome fan myself but try them all and make sure you have a dealer who will be there for you when an if you need help with your machine.

I love my Janome...I agree with mic-pac regarding the dealer. For me a good dealer that will help me after I purchase is key...

I love all of my Vikings. If I couldn't have Viking then I'd go toward the Janome. I have a Kenmore made by Janome and it's runs really great. That's why Janome would be my 2nd choice.

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I'm going to go with the Viking. I'll let you know how it goes.

Be sure you have good support with whichever one you choose. I love my Babylock but it depends on what you want to do with it also. I do everything with it except embroider. Have fun!

The Janome Horizon is a 7700 -- I have it. The Elna 740 is based on the Janome Horizon. Janome bought Elna a few years ago and is making now making many of them in the same factory so I have hopes the brand improves. Janome also makes Brother machines.

Put out the extra money and get a Bernina! It is worth every penny. See if any 440s are still available from the dealer, or get their replacement, the 500 series. The BSR can't be beat, and the applique and know lift features are great. I know many Viking converts!

I vote that you buy one that is EASY to operate and that you don't have to crane your neck to see the needle