I have been very lucky with Janome since I started sewing again about 8 years ago. I had a 25 year old electronic Singer that died and went to a shop that sold many brands. They believed that Janome was a good solid machine so I went with it - the 3160. After I brought it home my husband suggested I make something just in case anything was going to go wrong. I decided on a quilt. Sewing with that machine was so nice -- I loved it!! That started me on my current path of quilting as much as I can. I still use the machine for classes, but have upgraded a few times since then -- all Janome's.
I have had excellent luck with Janome's and can only remember one time having a tension issue that the dealer resolved. I also like that the motor is quieter than other machines I have tried, It's a good value for my money.
I have 2 Janome dealers close to me and I believe having a dealer you can go to should weigh heavily in your decision.