Advise please.
 

I found a LQS with a floor model Bernina 440QE (with stitch regulator) on sale. I've been wanted a machine to do FMQ. For those of you who have this machine, what do you like about it? What don't you like? Is it easy for a beginner FMQer to learn on?

I have the machine and love it. But, I really don't do a lot of quilting with it since I also have an Avante. On my smaller quilts it works really good.

I have a Bernina 440QE and really really like it. My husband bought it for me, so it's not like I had any say so. However, I thought it was going to be WAY TOO MUCH machine for me, but turns out it's great. I have used the BSR stitch regulator and I need alot of practice. It's easy to use and I am learning a whole lot from having this machine. It's easy to hook up, and you get 2 different ways you can use it. There's the start/stop button method, which I have not used a whole lot. I prefer to use the other method -- when I move my fabric, it starts quilting. When I stop moving the fabric, it stops. Don't know what I would change about it. I've not gotten my darning foot out yet and tried fmq with it. Some people say you have better control with just the darning foot. Some have said they cannot control the stitch regulator as well as they would like. Since I'm not that great at it (yet) I hope to be some day, I'm pretty happy with it and my Bernina. My LQS is AWESOME and will answer any question I have and help me with my learning curve. I would recommend you buy it since you're getting it at a discount. Will they allow you to try it out?

I'm hoping that the dealer will allow a "test drive" since it was labeled a FLOOR MODEL--surely they will.

The sign said the retail price was about $4100 and the sale price was $2900. Is this a fair price? They'll offer lessons and a free service at the one-year anniversary.

Would really like to have a long-arm, but right now I can't seem to justify the investment if I only use it for personal use.

Perhaps if I get really skilled with FMQ in a couple of years, then perhaps later I can upgrade.

I have the 440QE and learned to quilt and FMQ on it. It takes all the pain out of FMQ! However, I think that price is high, given that the 440QE has been replaced in Bernina's line and that the machine is a floor model.

Edited to say - if the dealer won't let you test drive, then you need to find another dealer. That's a necessity, even if the machine weren't a floor model. Also be sure that the dealer has a good reputation for servicing machines before you buy from him. And be sure to get a full warranty. I also bought the dealer's extended service agreement and then purchased another one when the first one expired. That means I have no worries about anything going wrong with the machine, and I can take it in as often as I want for cleaning and servicing. To me it's worth the extra expense.

I think $2900 is a good deal. Like I said, I didn't buy mine, my husband did, and he did say that he went ahead and purchased the BSR foot with the machine because had he not bought it and I later wanted to get one, it would have been about $1000.00 bucks. TT&L he spent $3600 brand new, but dunster does have a good point about the 440QE being replaced. Good luck on your purchase -- whichever machine you choose. You can always come to this board for help and advice.

I have this machine also and I love it, especially the BSR foot. But you still need to practise, practise, practise. I dont think I could FMQ without it. I also think its a fair price.