I'm in serious withdrawals. I took my machine in for service on Fri. and was told it would be at least 2-21/2 weeks. That's if they don't find anything wrong. So, I'm looking for a back-up machine. Someone has one of these locally for sale and I'd like some feedback. I've googled and not found all that much. Specifically, does it have a knee lift? I don't need another embroidery machine, but if this one can be had for a nice price the embroidery would be a bonus, I guess. Thanks for the feedback.

Also, if I could get your input as to how much I should pay for it, or what it's worth I'd appreciate it!

Sorry to hear about your machine. Hope you find another one.

Thanks. The person would like $250 for it and I think that's a decent price...opinions?

My first machine was a cheap 129 dollar Brother and it is now my backup machine for when my Viking is getting its annual tuneup.

how old is your machine and how old is the one for sale?

I have a #1+ that I've had for over 10 years. It has performed very well for me. It does not have a knee lift, though. $250 sounds like a steal. Mine retailed at $4000, though that's not what I paid. Actually, my DH bought it for me when I was pregnant with my first son.

Also, my machine is very heavy and not easy to take to classes. If you are doing embroidery, it's kind of hard to find the cards that you use for this machine. (I don't do much, mostly quilting). The next in the line, the DesignerI, used floppy discs. Now it's just direct download from the computer.

Hope this helps.

My Janome 9000 is probably 12 years old and the knee lift was starting to squeak so I took it in immediately. This back up one would be probably be close in age-10-12 years old.

Thanks, yes I thought it was a good price. It's supposed to be in good condition and comes with a bunch of cards, hoops and feet. I don't plan on using the embroidery function. I used to use my 9000 for embroidery, but since my kids are now older, I just use it for quilting. I mainly want this back up for quilting only. I think it will be a great, inexpensive back-up machine.

mine is 15 yrs +/-

i just checked on ebay and they want $800 - $900 for it. so if it's in working condition, i say yes.

mine was over $2000 (a surprise gift) with all the 'stuff' that they come with.
plus i bought extra cards while they were still available.

i don't see any knee lifts. can it be retrofitted later?

I don't think knee lifts can be retrofitted?? But, in this case I'm sure if that's even possible, it would cost more than the machine:> It cost me $95 for just the basic service on my Janome and if they have to replace anything then it will be more. So, I don't think $250 is unreasonable for this machine. My first machine was a Viking. I only upgraded to the Janome for the embroidery features. I was hoping to find another Janome as my back-up so I could use the same feet, but if this one has all the feet and cards I'd use....wahoo! I go see it tomorrow, so fingers crossed:>