You need a new dealer. DH got me a brand new Janome Memory Craft 6600 a couple of years ago for $1000. It had the knee lift lever and a whole box of feet with it. Sounds like your dealer is just trying to make a huge commission.

Get the Brother 1500. It will sew up to 10 layers at a time. I've only done 7 so far but never faulted through them. Large throat with push button cutter. It's a heavy duty with no bells or whistles staight stitch for $600.00. You won't be disappointed, promise.

Seriously .. you really do not need tp spend $4,000 for a machine ...to do the basics and can handle thick fabric. Do take some sample layers to test drive anything you are considering purchasing.

I have two straight stitch only machines, my Daughter has one too. All were under 1000.00. That Lady just wants to get more commission. All three machines have 9" throats and all make a beautiful stitch and quilt very nicely. The more you want the more they cost. Google and see what you can find and go from there. Don't forget to replace the needle with every quilt. I save those for piecing.

1000 should be able to get you a nice solid machine they have plenty of nice high end juki, brother, babylocks, janomes, etc in that price range. Just write down all your must have features in a machine, and ask them to show you models in that price range. I know that the juki exceed f-600 should be in your price range and the jukis should be able to handle thick seams and runs about 900, some straight stitch only machines are also in your price range like the brother PQ1500S if you don't need one for decorative stitching that is more heavy duty, but again you need to really sit down and figure out what you want in a machine and do your research because that person is just trying to get money out of you. I paid 1800 for mine and I love my machine and you definitely don't need 4000 dollars

The Babylock Elizabeth is awesome and has the features you mentioned. It is well under $1000.00.

201-2
 

Thanks Neenee. I have a 201-2 an older model than I think is common for quilters. It is in a cabinet too. I will need to do some research to know how to work it. It has a potted motor which from what I read makes it strong. Do you know anything else about it?

Lucky you! you have a great vintage machine already! Oil and lube it up and give it a spin. You can read some more about the 201-2 at Sew-Classic:

http://blog.sew-classic.com/2008/11/...ne-review.aspx

Well I feel stupid. Went and pulled the table clothe off. Brought it up and searched around. Looks like it is a 101-3.
Having a hard time finding info on it.

Agreed. I don't like those kind of sales tactics. Plenty of people here have found good machines for less than $4,000. Find another dealer!