I have an APQS Freedom and love it. I did buy it new so that I could finance it. I love it after having an unpleasant eperience with a Tin Lizzie for a year before I bought the APQS. I ahve quilted 140 quilts on my APQS since I got it in December. 2011 and I have not had any problems at all. I have the hudraulic advance and I absolutely love that too. My second choice was a Handi Quilter Fusion. My friend has had a Handi Quilter AQvante for 2 years and has done a lot of quilting on it and has had no problems with it. She really likes it. Good luck with your search.