I've used my Designer 1 for almost 7 years and it's never been in the shop except for regular servicing (and I haven't done that much either). Don't know much about the model you're looking at, but the "sewing advisor" and automatic setting of tension, etc. is great - I don't even have to think! Just sit and sew. Only con is you must buy accessories only from Viking. Even the bobbins must be Viking. I don't mind much, for the workhorse it has been.