I also agree with going for the Brother. I have a Juki 2000 and adore it. I cringe at the thought of piecing on anything else but it. I love the speed. Once you get used to it, you'll be whipping out stuff faster than ever. I'm pretty sure the Brother sews just as fast as the Juki and probably has the same heavy duty to it. Before Xmas I made some ornaments and sewed through 18 layers of fabric and the Juki didn't even complain!!
Go for the newer machine. If you are looking online, check out Kens' Sewing in Muscle Shoals, AL (not affiliated with them. They just have good prices and very good customer service)