I recently completed my own exhaustive search for a new machine. I visited machine dealers, did internet study and comparison, etc. I was down to the choice of newest in the line of Viking/Husqvarna or the Janome Horizon 7700. I ultimately chose the Janome and so far, I just LOVE it. I chose it for: Knee lifter; Auto thread (upper & lower) cutter; Lots of feet and accessories including cover, instructional CD and acrylic work table that attaches to the machine; stitches like a dream; Lots of decorative stitches & alphabet; needle threaded; 10” throat space; sews quietly; easy to adjust sewing speed; lock in stitches; needle up/down at a touch of a button; can save stitch patterns; very responsive touch screen; user friendly; heavy duty metal machine, industrial motor and more!
Make a list of the options you want, and then do the research. Get out and visit several dealers and actually sit down and try a number of the machines out to see which one is most comfortable to you. Then buy your machine at a reputable trusted dealer.
I bought my machine new at $ 2499.99.
Good luck in your search!