My best suggestion is to get a machine with at least a 10-11 inch throat. I've been FMQ for years on a Viking D1 and I love it but the smaller throat makes it hard with larger quilts. I just bought a Janome 8200 (brand new model). Has a 11 inch throat, wow, it makes it so easy.
I agree, you need to go to as many dealers that you can in your area. You really need to get locally so if there are problems you can have it taken care of easily. Take you own fabric to use as a test and even the thread you usually use and really take them for a test drive. A long test drive!!!!! Everyone has different wants and you need to get a perfect match. Good luck. Remember, negotiate the price (just like buying a car) you will get a better price.