I wouldn't buy a machine that's been used as a floor model, I don't care what the owner says is their normal practice, if that's not what I want. I'm going to pick up my new machine on Friday, and it's the first brand new machine I've ever bought; everything else has either been a quilt show class machine or a used machine or a "refurbished" (that means used at the dealer I bought it from but I didn't know it at the time). I'm not even sure I want the new machine's box to be opened till I get it home!
I'm driving an hour away to buy my machine because it's $700 cheaper, even though the closest dealer is just 15 minutes away. When you're talking about machines at those price points, I'll drive where I need to go to save a good bit of money. The local dealer DID offer to sell me a machine at the same price as the more distant dealer - but it was a floor model. I said no thanks, came home and called the other dealer and told them to order my new machine!
Which machine did you decide to go with?