I have 2 Vikings the Designer 1, and the SE.........am lucky to have them. I am wondering if the machine you looked at was a trade in?? Or a re-pack one used at a quilt show and than sold for a reduced price with warrenty. ??? When I purchased my Designer 1 I, used the free financing for a year and than moved the remainder of the balance to a low interest CC...............I also have a Bernina 230 for my sewing not ME and I do like that too..........as I felt I was using my emb. machines too much for other stuff and everything has only so many miles it can travel...........I have to talk to my DH in car terms...............later..........calla