All machines need repair sooner or later. If the warranty is still in effect, and you buy off the Internet, will your local dealer repair it under warranty? That's the biggie for me. I always thought they were like car dealerships. If you bought a Chevrolet the warranty was covered no matter which Chevy dealership you took it to. Well, not the same with sewing machines. Some brands allow the shops to warranty only what they sell. If you bought it elsewhere, it's on you to get it fixed. Try seeing if the local shop will match the Internet price or come close. Local support & warranty is a BIG deal.
My friend bought a Babylock at the IQF in Houston 2012. The closest shop that sells Babylock refuses to service hers even though she paid extra for the Gold Warranty plan where supposedly, she can take it to any Babylock dealer to repair items under warranty. Not so in this instance. She talked to the Babylock folks this year and they said it was up to the dealers. So much for the extra money for the Gold Plan. It opened my eyes.