HollyInfinite

Hi Everyone -

Does anyone own this machine or seen it at their LQS? I want a new machine that I can grow with and brand to grow with and I think Bernina is a good fit. I can purchase a lower end model and keep all my accessories when I decide to upgrade to a better machine which I like. I went to one of the LQS around here and they just got the 215 and they have it priced at $1000. I've been trying to find reviews and stuff on this machine and haven't really seen anything because its a fairly new machine but the very few reviews I have seen have said that their LQS is selling them for around $700...so now I'm concerned that I may be paying to much so I figured I'd ask you guys and see if anyone else has seen or own one of these and how much was it? Also is this a good machine? Is it worth getting or should I just save more money and get a higher model?

Thanks!

Maia B

I think $1000 is way too much for this basic machine. I LOVE Berninas, have 3 (bought two used, got one FREE :) ). The 210 and now 215 are often on special for $650-$700. They come with snap-on feet in the US, but can accept the more costly new style feet. Honestly, if that were going to be my only machine, I'd try to buy used or maybe see what I could get for that price from Janome/Elna or Brother/Babylock. Or get a a vintage or lower-priced machine now and save. The new 500 series is supposed to come out in late July, so used 400 series (Auroras-430, 435/450, & 440QE) might be available at good prices.

HollyInfinite

Hmm thanks for your suggestion. Yeah I've been calling around to other shops and everyone is giving me a $900 price on the 215. I'm thinking of going to the Bernina store in NC because they have a lot of deals there and maybe have more used machines. The only used machines at the LQS here are really old machines that don't take the new feet which is something I want because I want to be able to use all the accessories on a new machine I may buy in the future.

I like the 4 series personally. I've been looking at the 430 or 440 too...but I wasn't sure if it was something that I really needed.

I only want something that I can use for quilting and it does a good job and maybe something I can put on a quilt frame in the future.



My LQS hasn't discounted the 4 series at all...when should I expect them to get discounted? I looked at other LQS in North Carolina rather than NY and all of them are saying they are deeply discounted because they are being discontinued. I get the vibe that the LQS is ripping me off >_> which sucks because I like to support small business but not if they are trying to screw me.

GreatStarter

Holly, I can't give you any input on what a fair price for it is. However if you have been told by other shops it is being discontinued then I definitely wouldn't buy it from your LQS at the $1,000. price. Have you mentioned to the LQS that someone on the internet told you it was being discontinued? See how they respond before you make your final decision.

Good luck with your tough decision,
Kat

HollyInfinite

Oh no, the 215 ($1000-$900) model is brand new and most of the shops around here just got them in stock within the past months.

The 430, 440 QE, and other 4 series are being discountinued but the LQS was offering them at retail or close (2-4k depending on model).

If I decide I want a 4 series I'll definitely bring it up, I feel a little uncomfortable bringing it up because when I brought up that I was interested in the 4 series and I told her a price that I had seen she didn't really comment on it when it was $500+ under what she was selling hers for.

I think it may be best to just go somewhere else, I think I'll buy a machine when I'm in NC visiting family.


Anyway - anyone use either the 4 series or 215 and have reviews? Any cons? Around what price point have you seen them at?

Thanks everyone :D

Maia B

Just saw the 210 (which is or soon will be discontinued and replaced by the 215) for $699 today. That was the price on the tag, I'm pretty certain it could be had for less. I have sales flyers from the holidays with the 210 at $649. It's fairly lightweight, I don't know if it would wobble with a larger quilt being pushed around. It's a 3/4 sized machine, harp is less than 6". Might be fine for piecing, sewing clothes, classes/travel, and quilting smaller quilts. Check out reviews on patternreview.com, there are many. The 440 with BSR is listed at $4000, but was going for $3300 new last year. Embroidery module extra. The 500 series is due out in late July-August, so the used 400 series might be more affordable and available then. I LOVE my 440, but I'm glad I got it used :), price-wise. I've heard of used 430s (no BSR) for as little as $1200, I saw it new today for $2400. The BSRs are often on SewItsForSale for $400-500. I think prices around here are higher than average, based on prices quoted on patternreview and what I've found. I think the 400 series are a "sure thing" in terms of quality. The only criticism that I'm aware of is the price compared to the features. I've never read about a "lemon" 440. Many highly accomplished professional quilters work on the 440.

Cuilteanna

I've had my 440 since they were first released over here in mid-2005 and love it. Once the 5 series appears there should be better deals on the 430/440 so it might be worth waiting!