I have purchased "used" from a dealer and am still using my Janome Memory Craft 3500 as a back up machine. That was years and years ago. My sister also bought a used Janome from a dealer and she too has used it years and years. I'm helping a friend learn to sew and she also bought a used Janome 9400 from a dealer at quite the savings and he offered her free financing. So personally, I would not hesitate to purchased used - just make sure all the parts and pieces are there. You can use the manual that shows all the accessories as a way to double check.