I have the Bernina 180 artiste and i also bought mine second hand. I paid $1500 Australian dollars for mine about 2 years ago.
I do not have a lot of time for sewing and have used it mainly to piece. I have only so far made wall hangings and baby blankets.
i am very happy with mine :-) but as i have not had any lessons I am learning as I go and I have not done any embroidery with it even though it came with all the equipment. There just doesnt seem to be enough hours in the day and when i get the time i just want to sew, sew and sew!
I love the needle down feature and the little thing on the side that you use to cut your thread with. If you are buying from a shop try to get some feet thrown in as i had to buy a walking foot, a 1/4 inch foot and a darning foot. The walking foot from memory was about $150.00 so if nothing else get that one thrown in!
I wish I knew how to use my machine to its fullest but even though i dont i am still very happy with my machine so far.
The only negative so far is the small throat space so would be hesitant to quilt a queen size quilt with it but other than that i am very happy with mine and it is my baby....