I had to debate for a long while before spending $1400 on my machine. And the main reason I got it was for the larger throat space. But I know there are machines that cost as much as a new car and I could never justify that. Not because we don't have the money but because I think it would be better spent on other things.
as for the car, it's a necessity for our entire family, not just for me. And I do spend more time in it than I do at my machine (I have 3 kids, all with various activities). I feel like I can make the same quality stuff with my $1400 machine as I would with a $10K machine but a smaller and cheaper car may not be as efficient or as safe as what we have.