I bought the 6500 as soon as it came out and put a lot of miles on it -- I did not experience any of the problems Shelbie described. I was tempted when the 6600 came out, but did not buy it. I grabbed the 7700 as soon as it came out -- I wanted the extra room the accufeed and the better lighting. I gave the 6500 to my daughter who has given it a work out -- sewing on boy scout patches, etc. She loves it. All that said -- I would go seriously look at one of the newer machines that have the accufeed (6600, 7700 or the newer 8200 or 8900) depending on what you can afford.