i think the bottom line is , How is the dealer? Helpful? Friendly? When you walk in do they acknowledge you? What support and lessons do they offer with your purchase? Can you call them if you run into a pjroblem at home? Did you ask if they have a sale comoing up? If they say they don't know, ask if one come along right after you buy your machine will they give you the sale price or at least they dollar differance in merchandise ? I can almost preict when there will be a sale--about 2-3 months after I buy a machine a new model comes out!!What isthat happens, what will they do? I'd say buy the one you can afford and know you will enjoy and call it a retirement gift. You will be using it a lot more after your retire. Let us know what you decide>