When I was looking for a longarm machine, I tried teh HQ Sit Down at the local dealer. I loved it. Since then, I have purchases a longarm Tin Lizzie, because I do have the room for it. If I did not have room for the big frame set up, I would buy a HQ Sit down in a heartbeat. And I thought the price was very reasonable. I had been doing fmq on my Bernina int he past and when I tried the HQ Sit Down, it was HEAVEN to have the room to move the quilt. HQ also seems to be a very good machine--I have heard very few comments about anyone having any troubles with their HQ machine. Which means it might not be so important that your Dealer is a little distance from you. Definitely try one.