Help me choose!
 

Our local Bernina dealer is having a "sale" on gently used sewing/embroidery machines. They have an Artista 170 with hardly any stiches for $1800 and an Aurora 430 in ex cond for $2200. Which should my husband get me for Christmas or do you think I can find a better deal? Is the 170 too out of date?

I don't know anything about Berninas - have never had one, I am a Pfaff and Viking gal. Good luck.

Yes the artista 170 is way out of date I'd go for a 200 or better.

I have the Aurora 440 - had it for approx. 5 years. It's a great machine and I was told by my LQS that Bernina will continue to service them for many more years.

I have a 430 and I love it. I've had it for about 5yrs. now and think they are the top of the line. But that just my opion. Get the 430. It's a good deal.

I would go for the 430. Sounds like a decent price. You will love it.

I agree. It's better to go with the newer technology.

Whichever you end up, I hope you enjoy it!

I have the 170 and it was brand new 11 + years ago. I paid over 3000.00 for it so I can't imagine even a slightly used one would be worth 1500. 00. It is a great machine but might be out of date for things people want to do today on their machines.Newer machines have better computers. I never use the embroidery attachments on my machine so I was sold on something I really didn't want or need. IMHO I would never buy another machine with all the bells and whistles. I really never got interested in using them. I just want a good straight stitch machine. One thing I wish I did have is an auto cutter. Good luck in your search. MC-HNY
peace

I would recommend the 430. It was discontinued only a few months ago, and is still considered "new". The connectivity is so much better for adding things later. Does either one include the embroidery unit?

While I know people with the 170 (and they love them), it is harder to update one of the older machines.

Pam

I have a 430 and love it. I used it for a couple of years before purchasing the BSR foot which was a big help in FMQ. (But expensive) You may want to ask if you can get a deal on a BSR too. We have had good service from our dealer although we really haven't had problems with it - just needed cleaning and oiling etc.

I couldve written what you wrote as that is exactly how I feel too except my machine is an Artista 180. I love my artista as it is a good solid machine but I really want something with a larger throat. I love my needle up/down feature but I think my next machine will need to be more of a workhorse and be able to go through many layers and I am like you as I wouldnt want all the fancy stitches as I mainly have only used the straight stitch but I would still keep my Bernina. Initially i fell in lust with the Horizon 7700 but when I reall thought about it I dont feel it is the machine for me..at the moment I am leaning towards the HQ Sweet sixteen sit down....but need to do more research.