I spent 4,500 for my Viking Ruby slightly used (7 hours of previous use) and I love it. Great machine and I'm so glad that I got this one with the large hoops and it can do so much. I also get great classes and my teacher listens to us and comes up with special extra classes to learn the things we want most. We get monthly classes but she just did a special monthly class where we used the cutwork needles to make a table runner. We also had the Viking educator come to town and for $10 we got an all day class with lunch and 2 snacks and lots of education and made a monogramed towel. No looking back for me. I hope you have the same kind of luck. Just remember to try out the machine, make a list of what you want. Like for me I wanted an embroidery machine with large hoop capabilities and lots of features and easy to use for when I didn't have a teacher at hand. Make sure the LQS/dealer has a good attitude and you feel good talking to them. If you get bad vibes no matter how much you like the machine, go somewhere else or at least find somewhere else to get your classes/services. Support is a big must have when buying a machine.