I have had a Baby Lock 8500 for 20 years. Other than normal routine maintenance (every couple of years or every time I think about it), it has never given me a bit of trouble. It is a great machine and I hate to think of having to replace it someday. In those 20 years I have made approx. 90 quilts so it gets used plenty. I love my Baby Lock. I don't know where they are made now but mine says "Made in Japan".