Buy New or Lightly Used?
 

I currently have a Janome 7700 and am going to be trading up for the 9450. The dealer I plan on purchasing from has offered me what I think is a pretty good price on a new one... but then mentioned he has one coming into the shop next week that is 1.5 years old. The first owner is a long term customer of his and trades up regularly, is kind to her equipment, etc.

He will clean/go over the used machine. I'll test drive both new and used. If the used seems to be "good as new" is there any reason not to save a few bucks?

Amy

If he is a trusted dealer, I'd say "Go for it." You've found yourself a deal.

Get it if the saving is substanial. Word mis-spelled

Ah, so what would be considered "substantial" -- that is the question, right? lol

I personally think you can get a better value for your money with used. As long as its what you need.

I have an abundance of "used" machines in my home. Hmmm, come to think of it, I believe there are only two that I purchased new. I have a fondness for vintage machines, so getting those are a pretty good bet they will work great with a little know how and elbow grease. I purchased a sit-down mid-arm quilting machine slightly used, and I love it. I purchased a combo embroidery/sewing machine used, and I love it. I think if you are going through a dealer, you will be fine with your new, slightly used machine!

I would go with used with it's history. Also talk to the previous owner if possible. I love my Janome 6600.

Will they offer some kind of service plan on them? to me, that is worth a lot. if they offer it on the used, then I would jump on that chance. maybe you can negotiate that.

Does it come with a warranty? That's worth some money.

I have purchased "used" from a dealer and am still using my Janome Memory Craft 3500 as a back up machine. That was years and years ago. My sister also bought a used Janome from a dealer and she too has used it years and years. I'm helping a friend learn to sew and she also bought a used Janome 9400 from a dealer at quite the savings and he offered her free financing. So personally, I would not hesitate to purchased used - just make sure all the parts and pieces are there. You can use the manual that shows all the accessories as a way to double check.

None of my machines were "new" when I bought them. So, if it is a good dealer and they will give you some sort of guarantee I would say go for the lightly used one.

I have done this on the majority of my machines. I have only bought 2 new machine in my life. (That is a lot of years). My beloved Janome that is now close to 30 years old was a used machine when I bought it. The machine was close to $1000 new back in the day and I paid just over $500. the savings was enough to make it more than worth while. Right now is the first time I have ever had a problem with it and that is the curves on some quilting I have been doing. Heck, I have never even had her in for any service in all this time.
If your dealer is someone you trust he may even offer some warranty for a short time that will be the icing on the cake so to speak. I would definitely go for it! The dealer makes a bit and has a happy customer. and you have a new to you machine. Great for all involved including the machine going to a happy quilter.

I would not hesitate to buy used if there is a history on the machine, all original accessories are included (do double check against the new one), if there was a reasonable discount over new, and if the dealer is reputable. Given they mentioned a used one coming in, they sounds pretty up front to me, but as a direct customer, you can tell better.

Any warranty would have to be dealer-only (Janome, as with almost all brands, does not transfer warranties to second owners).

I bought a used Bernina years ago...off eBay!...and felt confident as we have a machine tech here in the Vancouver, BC area who does fabulous work. I knew he could get my machine up and purring. He's an independent (Eurotech) and I found him just by accident, but ask around the local quilt guilds to see if you have someone like that in your locale if you are thinking of buying used. When I finally saved up enough for a Featherweight, I took that one in too for a checkup and fine tuning.

I would let the tech go over the machine and do his/her tune up and then re-assure you that everything is perfect before you agree, although maybe put a hold on it pending that. Also, will there be a warranty?
I have a Janome 6500 and it is a workhorse. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest the brand to someone.
As to experiences buying used, I bought my mid arm used off of Craigslist from a lady who was down-sizing her home and it has been perfect in every way and was less than 1/2 the price of new, so deals are out there.
Be sure to negotiate the price or accessories with the dealer.

Watson

I don't know anything about it. You have gotten good ideas. I mainly buy new, no good dealers around me.

My wife purchased her Janome 9400 as a demo machine, trading in her 6600. She saved $1000 over what she would of paid by trading in her 6600 on a new machine.

That machine has had enough quirks, even after having it back for service once, that I think we would of bought new if we did it again.

That said, we've bought lots of used things over the years that have worked out great.

Jim

goodness i have a Janome 4800MC. I would love more throat space. I'd say go for it.