I can't help with pricing, but I will give a full-throated shout out for Janome. I have a 13 year old 6600 and a 12 year old Jem Platinum on which I have made about 110 quilts. The smaller machine travels with me in the winter; the 6600 stays at home. The only issue I ever had was when I mistakenly used a non-Janome bobbin. It didn't damage the machine; it just didn't sew well. It's always fun to get a new machine, if possible, but a good, used one can be a real bargain. I would look for a machine that looks like it has been cared for. If the machine is clean and undamaged, it has probably been well cared for mechanically too. Look for one that has been serviced every couple of years. The repair shop may have records. I'd also look for one with a needle threader and thread cutter, if possible.