i do extensive research on every dollar i'm going to spend. i work hard for the money (there's a song in that line).
if you plan on using one machine for both piecing and quilting i would suggest you wait.
you should look at the Juki F series (300, 400, 600) they all have the same mechanics and the difference is the fancy stitches.
the throat is 9 inches on all three of them.
i got the F600 for $750