I got mine in March and absolutely LOVE it! I bought it sight unseen, without ever trying one, based on the positive reviews and after speaking with my sewing machine repair guy. The parts inside are metal, not plastic and it is very low maintenance. Mine has stitched perfectly right out of the box. I have never touched the tension. I piece, FMQ and use the walking foot to add the bindings. I hear they are not picky about thread brands, but I don't have a lot of variety to test that. I usually use Aurifil or Wonderfil, but also use Coats & Clark, Gutterman and all have been fine.
The only accessory I bought was a generic 1/4 foot with the metal guide on the side because I prefer that style. I did see a gadget in Sears tool section I'd like to get, it was a flexible small mirror, similar to a dentist style mirror on a handle, that I thought would help me see to put the needle in. The needle only goes one way, but the mirror would help. I've been using a small cosmetic mirror for it. I did discover that some of the generic bobbins don't have the hole in them to put the thread thru to start it. I returned them and got some higher quality ones. Bobbins can be expensive, so I don't have many. But I usually sew with basic colors, so I've got 3-4 loaded with white, beige and the rest I haven't filled yet.
Anyway, I love my Juki and highly recommend it!