I think a couple of things are important, being able to change the needle position so that you can do 1/4" and scant 1/4" seams and also that the area where the quilt can go (I don't recall what it is called)the area between the needle and the machine - the bigger the better. I quess I would make a list of what you want and what you want to do and go from there. Lucky you to get a new machine, best wishes and happy sewing!!!