I bought the Bernina Aurora 440QE about six months ago, and I love it! I've had no problems at all and I don't regret purchasing it. However, I bought from a small shop thinking that I would get better customer service at a family-owned and run small business. After spending that much on a machine, I expected the woman who sold it to me would at least recognize me when I came in to the store. She did not. It's a source of irritation to me every time I walk into the store. On the bright side, another quilt shop in town that also carries Bernina has an "adoption" policy where I can take the same classes and get the same customer service when I have questions that their own customers get.
All of that to say that if you're buying a machine because of what you expect from the shop, you might be disappointed. I say buy the machine you want and find what you need elsewhere.