We have 3 Pfaffs - 2038, 1475, and a 1200 Grand Quilter. My wife started with an inexpensive Euro Pro; even an amateur can benefit from the IDT. Her piecing improved immediately when she started using the Pfaff machine. I just started sewing and I have never sewed on anything but her 2038 and my (15 yo used) 1475. I would second watching for a used machine. Mine was an upgrade trade-in that our shop sold originally and they did all the service. I got an excellent deal on it. I doubt if we'll ever buy another machine, but if we do, we'll look for a used Pfaff.
Darren