I have a Singer 1425, cost $1400, 26 years ago!! It was an amazing machine and it sewed its way through everything from baby clothes to high school musical costumes for my children. But it just didn't have the power that I needed for stippling and other things. So I am the proud owner of a Janome 6500... $1800.00. I call it my early retirement gift and quite honestly? I LOVE it.
My sister fought the urge to upgrade. Said her $400.00 20 year old Kenmore was just as good as my Janome. She just bought the 6600 and sheepishly admitted... newer is better! She's in love too!