I bought a TOL Bernina about 15 years ago. I had a cheap Singer and went to a class at a Bernina dealer, didn't have the right presser foot and used one of the store's machines. I came home that night and told my husband I NEEDED a Bernina. The difference in quality was like night and day. I didn't rest until I had my Bernina. I've done a lot of sewing on it and never had a single problem. I would cut off my right arm before I would give up my original machine but I kept worrying that I needed a back up machine, just in case. I bought a 440Q and love it just as much.
I agree that you should consider the features, not the stitches. And be honest about how much machine you really need. I think you want to make sure you buy the best quality you can afford - it is a lot more fun to sew on a machine that never gives you problems.