Are you sure there isn't a sew and vac kind of a store locally that can take a look at your machine. If you take your transformer, they should be able to check it.
I had a Singer and went to a Pfaff because of the built-in walking foot, needle down option and low bobbin indicator. Those were my must-haves as a quilter. LOVE my machine. Also have a Brother (low end) to lug around. But the Pfaff is definitely my work horse. But then, could you even buy a Pfaff (or other brand) in Germany that will run in the states, or do you expect to be oversees for a long time?