I currently have a machine sitting in my living room that needs repaired. I actually decided with the cost right now that I was a better option to replace the machine. My Brothers 1500se died some time ago and like you I contacted the local repair place (20 miles away) and the cost had gone up by 30%!! As sad as I am I found it better to just get a new machine. I have one in route, A HQ Moxie. I am so excited about this that it only cost little more that the repair would have been.