I owned a used Bernina 170. Loved the stitch quality, and embroidery capability, used mainly for the alphabet. I couldn't get it to FMQ real easily, but didn't mind using my manual Bernina 931, which didn't need any adjusting to be able to FMQ. The 170 required a new motherboard, not once, but twice (not a cheap part). The part is no longer avail. Perhaps this was a lemon machine, but it soured me on dishing out that kind of money for an expensive machine with expensive problems. I just purchased a used Janome 12000. (I have an inexpensive Janome that has never had a problem, and a friend has a 6600p that she loves and has never had a problem). I like the fact that it's versatile, with quilting capabilities and embroidery. I haven't used it that much yet, but the FMQ was nice right out of the box and stitch quality is nice. I will be able to grow into this machine and don't think I'll be looking for another machine for years to come.