Have you checked into trading yours in - maybe on a used or floor model? I think Brothers are very good machines and seem to be more in the range you are setting for yourself.

The Janome 6600 is a wonderful machine. Check out E-bay. I bought the 11000SE for half then price a dealer wanted. You may be able to dot he same with the 6600

Me too. I bought my Viking back in 1988 and it is still running strong. Of course I have several other machines but this is my go-to for basic sewing. I don't think you can go wrong with a Viking.

I love my Viking Sapphire 875---the auto tie-off, the auto cutting. It sews through everything, doesn't rattle, is heavy but not too heavy to carry to classes.

Hi,
Allow me to jump on the Brother bandwagon!! I have used Singers in the past, and a Janome Memorycraft...recently I bought the Brother PC-420, it sews like a dream, and I love how it has the extras such as knee-lift and thread cutter. That being said, I also bought a Brother PQ-1500, I bought it mainly for fmq, and for quick piecing, as it also has a 9" harp and I can use it on a quilting frame or off. I have not been disappointed by either machine! The PQ-1500 also has a "pin feed" system which also makes straight line or sid quilting so easy, I don't even have to attach the even-feed/walking foot, as the pin feed "scoots" it along...for the price they can't be beat! Lastly, we are all different and of course have differing opinions, and machines we love, isn't it great we can all gather here and talk about it, too?!! I know my dh probably, no make that surely, does get tired of listening to my quilting talk, though he never complains (out loud anyways..lol..). I try and keep it to a minimum, as listening to his fishing, hunting, work shop activities is not exactly fun for me, either...:)
Take care,
Kif

I know of someone who is selling her 6600. She up graded to a 7700 horizon. If you are interested, I'll put you in touch. I do know the machine is in very good condition and well taken care of.

I have the old 930 Bernina, I have been offered $1,000.00 for it when I bought the new 830 machine, I took it last week to the Quilting at the Lake retreat, worked great, Is your machime dead or do you just wish to replace it? I would not give mine up for any thing, Can it be repaired?What a workhorse, I have done denim, fancy embroiderry on it and just did a class with Melinda Bula, beautiful thread work free motion,I used it hard but keep it lint free and bobbin oiled after every bobbin change, Just my thought s Bee LOL

Bee-my 930 still works-it just has an annoying habit of not stopping when I need it to! I bought it second hand about 15 yrs ago, and it has always had this issue. Had it serviced when I first purchased it, and they couldn't figure out what was causing the issue, so I have just dealt with it. The decorative stitches don't work at all-they used to, but I don't use them too often, and when I tried to use them a few months ago, nothing.....I will continue my search for an updated model, but I will always love my first Bernina! :-)

I have a lot of older machines! If u don't need fancy stitches these r workhorses! I use the 15-91 the most!!! The money u save buys alot of fabric!!!!

PLEASE conside a Brother, I have had such good results, I have the 1500 quilting machine and it has more room under the arm, all attachments, pin feed, ability to drop feed dogs and is only a straight stitch whicgive BEAUTIFUL stitch quality. I got mine for around $700. I LOVE IT!!