[b]in addition to the janome that i have i also have the viking #1+. i have had the janome about i guess 20 yrs and the viking maybe 15. i don't have one now, but brother makes a very good machine.
the janome and the viking have been very reliable and my fixer told me to keep it clean and only service it when it needs it. they both came with informal instructions forever from the same dealer. he doesn't have a teacher, so he teaches you himself, as you need a new skill.