I have a PQ1500s and love it! I really have no complaints except for the needle will come unthreaded easily. Not sure why! Have no problem with tension. sew like a work horse. Really like tht the presser foot tension is adjustable. Not have a drop drop in bobbin which can be irritating when thread runs out as you are sewing. I bought it $600 from Amazon with free shipping and no tax. I would suggest that you test drive machines before you buy
Another thing. I would suggest that you also have an other machine that does fancy stitches. You never know when you may need them- applique, etc. maybe you can find one on Craig's list. Many time sewers want to upgrade with nothing wrong with the old machine.