Have you even thought about the 8200. Same machine but fewer fancy stitches. I knew I wouldn't use the extra stitches and am very happy and it was lots cheaper. My dealer is less than 5 miles away and only took one class and I don't have any problem. I agree the manual is not the best but the machine is fairly simple. The one thing I learned is to trust the manual and to read it. I learned the hard way when free motion quilting. The manual says use single hole throat plate and it is a must. I didn't know the 8900 came with a red front, make sure the dealer isn't talking about the 7700.