I have a 30 year old Elna Carina, a 16 year old Bernina Activa, a Janome 6600 and a brand new Juki HZL 600. I needed the Juki like I needed a hole in the head, but I found it online for under $1000 and I could not resist. I like each machine for different things, but for sheer value, I'd go with the Juki. I found mine at Ken's Sewingcenter (online store). It was used at a weekend quilting expo and came with a 30-day moneyback guarantee. I do at least as much dressmaking and heirloom sewing as I do quilting, and that might not hold true for everyone. I do love having 4 machines--let's me keep 4 projects going.
