If your heart is set on a different model, check with your LQS's and see if they have any used models. I had fallen in love with the MC6500 but couldn't justify the $$ especially since my HV was only 2 years old. When the Janome 6600 came out a bunch of folks traded in their 6500's and I bought one used. The store cleans and services them, mine is like new except for "used" look which doesn't bother me a bit. And it was a WHOLE lot cheaper!! Came with all the do-dads too, all I had to buy were extra bobbins.
Sue