I bought a Bernina Series 8 - Model 820 machine 1 1/2 yrs. ago & was very intimidated at first, but after using it, the adage of "you get what you pay for" is very evident in this machine. I asked for referrals & was told, the Bernina line is so expensive because of "what's under the hood" meaning - no plastic parts here. All I can say is, if you want quality then it costs more. In Canada, the 820 ranges up to $8500. - I paid $7500. & had guilt following the sale but changed my mind within a short time of using it. You must decide what features you want & which features you MAY have limited use for & make your decision based on that. Look at potential future uses so you don't wish you had upgraded in the first place & end up selling (always at a loss) because you "should have" gone top of the line to begin with.