I have a Viking Designer 20 embroider machine and I love it. Also have another 30 yr old Viking and a Singer Confidence Quilter that I take to workshops. I had a old Kenmore that I sold and that was a work horse (from the 70's) and also an old Babylock that I bought in the 80's and got rid of because I couldn't keep it threaded.
Turns out the thread makes a big difference. If you are using old polyester thread in your Viking, throw it out and get cotton thread. A good quality thread makes a lot of difference. What brand of Viking did you get?
When I bought my Viking, I looked at the new Bernina's and didn't like the way they handled. I do love my mother in laws 25 yr old Bernina though.