I have a Bernina that would probably be $3000 or more brand new but I bought it off eBay for $1400 and yes, it's worth every penny. I especially like the needle down position, the needle thread, the quiet hum of the machine, the knee presser that lifts the needle when quilting, the wonderful tension, the choices of stitches, the many feet I can use. If I ever buy another machine it will have the thread clipping. I think the machines on the market today are fabulous. I have had my Bernina 7 years now and have never taken it to a shop for repairs. I clean it constantly and it purrs like a kitten, works just fabulous.