TinkerQuilts

I too have a Pfaff 4.0 QE, and love it!!! Bought it about1 1/2 years ago, and had some problems that were all operator error and ee solved by taking classes and asking the sewing machine shop staff for help. I believe I paid $2000 for it new.

fxsts93kf

I have a Pfaff 4.0 QE and just operator error problems. I bought it almost a year ago. I live in Ohio and we have 2 large quilt shows here, one in Cincinnati and one in Columbus every year. They sell the machines that people use for class during the 3 days of the show as new, with full warranty, and they discount them $500 . My machine was taken out of the box but never actually used. It has the 18x24 acrylic sew steady table plus a few other accessories that I can't remember. The shop also gave me 4 extra feet for it that they had laying around in the classroom! I paid $1995 with 24 months same as cash

Knitette

I bought a QE4 in November and it's back at Pfaff. Everything was fine until I tried to FMQ - bobbin thread breaking and skipping stitches. Dealer couldn't get it to perform properly. Not sure when I'll get it back. Very disappointed.

Never had a moment's bother with my Janome, but wanted the auto-lift and larger harp.

ktbb

Remember that if you purchase off ebay or from other non-dealer sites, you may not get the warranty or lessons...and that, for me, is worth the extra dollars.

SunQuilts

ktbb - I have never purchased off ebay and am sort of too chicken to try it; and as you pointed out, I am wondering how helpful my local dealer would be if I bring in a machine purchased elsewhere! So if I want one I will most likely buy it locally although I may point out the range in prices I am seeing to see if that motivates anyone. Now, can anyone tell me the overall length and width of this machine? I am wondering if it will fit in the cutout space of my sewing desk.

Lucio

I bought this machine 3 years ago for $2,000 without the extension table. Unfortunately, I could not return it or I would have. It was made in China and it has every negative you will discover from reading all the reviews on it. There have been many many reviews on this board alone.

Ginaky

I kept my 1473 when I bought the QE4--I wouldn't part with it for anything! My dealer told me that no one will trade them in, they want to keep them. I have both of them set up, along with my Brother embroidery machine and my Juki serger. I just need to get to my studio and use them more! I do think you'll be happy with the QE4.

Grandma Mary

I have the 4.0, and bought it last August from a local dealer during the AQS show where in Grand Rapids. I got the machine and the Quilters package (extension table, single hole foot plate, etc) all for the show price of $2,000. So far I really like it. I love the IDT capability, which means you don't need to use a walking foot. I also enjoy the thread cutter, memory for special stitches, and the many different needle positions. I still haven't been able to take the two free classes because of illness and work schedules, but I'm glad to say that I finally get to go to my first class this week! I'm excited to learn about all the other things it can do. I haven't done any FMQ on it, so I can't speak to that part.
Now I just have to find a wheeled carrying case for it (that doesnt cost a fortune ) so I can easily take it out to my LQS to classes etc. (it comes in a hard cover, but is kind of heavy to tote around with my bad shoulders!) It is too wide for the case I have for my Brother machine. I don't think you'll regret buying it. Good luck!

Lady Diana

You may want to take a look at the new Janome 8900. Pfaff states in their ad that their machine has the largest harp n(10"), more stitches, etc. than any of the machines on the market. Not true, the 8900 has 11 inches to the right of the needle. Pfaff says they have 37 needle positions, the 8900 has 91...!! Pfaff model has 222 decorative stitches, 8900 has 270 and it has 9mm width for beautiful decorative stitching. Just a thought....they also have a new 8200 that is less expensive, but with almost all features of the 8900. Your choice, but I would read all the reviews on both machines, and then test drive. You have to be happy with the features and reviews.

Best of luck.
Diana

jeanharville

I just bought a QE 4 for 2000. I bought it for the auto scissors, needle and feet up/down, IDT, speed control and the 10" throat. This is my second Pfaff and I love the precision stitches. It is a dream to quilt on because of the features listed above. I don't use many decorative stitches, but I do like having the different alphabets to make labels. This machine is loaded with handy features. As others have mentioned, buying from a dealer gives you many advantages and they may be willing to negotiate the price. Good luck on you purchase.