I purchased my 1473 used in 1994 just because it had the dual feed function. I was learning machine piecing at that time and needed all the help I could get. It is still my absolutely favorite (non-antique) machine. It goes to all my charity work days (2 guilds) plus workshops, etc. A couple of years ago I walked into the viking dealer in York, PA (my hometown - I visit a couple of times a year) and sitting right inside was another 1473. I have never seen one for sale - anywhere - including eBay. The dealer couldn't even find a bluebook price for it as they are just not available - everyone who has one just keeps them. Dealer wanted $450 and I didn't balk. At least I will have parts if anything goes wrong with the first one - but I am so happy to have this 2nd 1473. What a work horse - doesn't balk at anything.
Now my 7570 story - I purchased it for machine embroidery in Jan 2004. I never coulod get the tension correct on it so rarely used it for embroidery - sewed perfectly though. Hop ahead a few years - about 2007 or 2008 - the local quilt shop/Pfaff dealer was interested in purchasing it so I took it in. Put on the embroidery unit - it worked for about 3 minutes and then quit. Wouldn't embroider, wouldn't sew - nothing. I left it there for the service person to check with Pfaff to see about the problem. After a few months, I was told that Pfaff said it was the mother board and it would cost $700-$800 to replace. No way was I going to put that kind of money into it - so took it home and it became a doorstop for another year or so. One day a friend was taking a machine up to a local (as in 50 miles - Hildebran, NC) shop for service and suggested I take the 7570 along and have them take a look. Left it there - got a call the next day asking what exactly was the problem. Told them it wouldn't sew at all - heard it humming along in the background. They cleaned it up - no repair necessary!!! I'm figuring that she just didn't want to belong to my local quilt shop!!!
I have not put on the embroidery unit as I'm thinking that may be where the problem is - but the darn machine work like a charm. Now I have 3 Pfaffs - do not need 3 - want to get rid of the 7570 as I really, really like my older one - don't care about all the fancy stitches of the 7570. If you live anywhere near Mooresville, NC (about 30 miles north of Charlotte) let me know if you might be interested in adopting her.
Very long store short - you cannot go wrong with one of the older German models - my mother's 1371 (a limited edition beautiful cream and lavendar model) still hums perfectly - my sister has that one but doesn't sew at all anymore. I personally do not like the newer models - to me they are kind of ugly - just a personal opinion here.
Thanks for listening to my long-winded answer.
Sandy in Mooresville, NC