Just a thought, why not rent time on a LA at a local Quilt shop? That way you will know if it really what you want. After quilting for 3 hours my shoulders where sore and sift.
Pushing and pulling the heavy heads can wear on your body. There are newer machines like the vision from Gammill that are easier to move and the Gammill has a better resale value than most. Important if illness or stricken by poverty unexpectedly. I had to delay my purchase due to retirement being cut by the PBGC. Working to buy one in June 2012.