$2K is a lot of money in my book too! IMHO a good dealer is essential. I love my Bernina but I also have an awesome dealer. They are an hour plus away but so worth the trip for me and they have deals worked out with LQS for weekly pickup and drop offs of machines for servicing and maintenance.
When I was first shopping for mine I went to a closer dealer and felt like I was a bother when I walked in the door. I went to the dealer over an hour away and was treated like an old dear friend the minute I walked through the door. I have never been unhappy with their service. I love them. And they have a beautiful quilt shop in addition to being a Bernina rep. So a good dealer means a LOT.