I have a Janome that looks identical to this machine. I love my Janome! I paid over $400 for mine, but I bought it from a dealer. It is a great machine, very easy to use. My only problem is that I can't figure out how to FMQ with it. I think it is more operator error than machine. :D I don't think you can go wrong with this machine. The price is fantastic!!
Oh, and I love the needle down position on mine. You do have to push the button but it is not a big deal. It will stop in the down postion until you change it back to the up position.