My first question would be: Can you get it serviced and repaired within a reasonable driving area? I have to drive 90 miles to take mine, which isn't a particularly long way, but you have to do it twice within a two week timeframe. Once to drop it off and the second to pick it up after service.
And yes, you are going to get very tired of a 9" throat space very quickly if you find you like quilting on a frame. And don't get discouraged after a couple quilts. I have had my Pfaff 9" quilting machine for about 3 years and am just now getting comfortable loading and quilting a quilt.