i love my 8900, so i'm sure you wouldn't regret getting one.
i paid nowhere near $3k for mine, but i got it at a quilt show at a special price.
most dealers stick pretty close to the manufacturer's suggested retail price ($3,999), so finding one who sells for less is not easy.
the only way to find out whether or not it would be a good deal for you would be to call around to all janome dealers within a driving radius you'd be willing to travel.
__________________
- necessity is the mother of invention. lazy is the crazy aunt.
