Have you asked the shop where you were quilting what their plan is for their machine? Perhaps the machine is for sale?
Otherwise I agree with the other comments. Go to one or more shows and try as many as the machines as possible.
Me, I hate basting, so a sit down is a no go for me. There are lots of used machines out there and that is what I wound up buying, a used HQ 16 on an adjustable frame.