Hello, Well I am a newbie but I just purchased an HQ 18 Avante. I got a great deal - the LQS sold me the sewing head or machine that was 3 months old - with very little hours on it and then I got a new studio table - all out the door under 8k - list is over 10k - It is wonderful - I was actually looking for the 16 but this deal was great for me. I say go for it. I love mine and like I said I am new to Long arm quilting so I am having fun with it. I think that the HQ 16 is not going to be manufactured anymore - that would be the only reason I could think of...