I currently have 3 Pfaff machines; a Select 3.0. Passport 2.0 and a Performance 5.0 and love all of them for different reasons. The thing I love most is the IDT built in walking foot. The Select 3.0 was my first Pfaff and it is mechanical so it is mainly backup, I use the Passport 2.0 for classes and even use it for ruler work and the Performance 5.0 is my primary machine that I have set up in my sewing room it has a throat opening of 9 1/2 inches. I have not have any problems with any of my machines and take for yearly maintenance. One of the biggest reasons I chose Pfaff is I my sewing dealer is only 15 miles from my home and is where I bought my machines from. Your choice of a machine should be based on what your budget is, features you know that you want and need and service of your machine if you have any problems. Test drive machines you are interested in to make sure it is the right fit and you can't go wrong.