It's not the price that puts me off these machines.
I know I won't use all the features of the machine. Turn it on and sew a straight stitch would be 95% of my sewing. I would rather have several machines, one for each purpose. I have a Brother 1500 for quilting, Bernina 1260 for piecing, Singer Quantum for decorative stitches and fonts. Several portable machines for classes and retreats. All total the cost of these machines would be less then a down payment on one of the newest ones. My friends that have the Dream or new Bernina 830 seldom do anything other then piece with it. And the simplest problem cost them over $200 for the tech to look at it.