Service is very important. I purchased a Janome 9000 from eBay at a very good price and was very satisfied with the machine. However, I was on my own to read the manual and figure out how to operate and do a lot of things the machine was capable of doing. This may also be true if you purchase from a "big box" store. No classes.
I was able to take the Janome to a LQS for service as they sell the machine also. However, the service was terrible, terrible. I finally traded for a used Bernina 450 and am thrilled with it.
Think about getting a very good higher-end, used machine where service is paramount and classes are available.
Suzanne