6500 for $610 sounds great. Janome 3160QDC now on sale here for $630. Does the 6500 have Accufeed? If not, see if you can find a used 6600 which does have it. I have a Babylock Quest Plus, which is like the 6600, except that the 6600 doesn't have a free arm and I don't have autocut. The integrated dual feed (called PDQ on mine, Accufeed on the 6600) is amazing! I will never be without it again. It's very easy to engage and disengage and works with very many feet, unlike an add-on walking foot. I think used 6600s maybe available as their owners get Horizons. Quest Pluses might be avail as the upgraded Serenades and Pfaff Smarters come out. For $600, I think Janome, Babylock, and Brother are the best choices, in that order. Good luck!