I too have heard some horror stories but I have nothing but to good to report on the three machines i have owned. Currently have the Creative Sensation. Love, love, love that machine!!! My first Pfaff was a 7570, which I still own and I also have a 1222, I think that is the number, that I inherited from my aunt. I traded up my Creative Vision for the Sensation. Good luck with your search. I have dealer support that is very improtant to me.