I have a 2044 and love it, user friendly, and forgiving as I am a new sewer and have made a fair share of blunders.
There is a Pfaff 2046 on Ebay for under $679 as i post this. I Agree that the older Pfaff's seem a littler heavier built.
I found my Pfaff at a local sewing machine/vacuum store, they as well, were discontinuing their Pfaff line, so i did get a really good price!!