6600 is truly a janome work horse. It has stood the test of time. You may be able to get a good used one as there is now a 6700. I don't know what the new features are in the 6700, but I imagine it is a heavy duty metal machine too.

I bought my 6600 in May 2011 (new, from a dealer). I paid $1,300 for it (the owner gave me a discount because I bought a 350E embroidery machine at the same time). I couldn't begin to tell you how many quilts I have made on that machine, but it's a large number. I bought the quilting bobbin case (which I recommend), and quilted many good-sized quilts on the 6600 (including a number of queens). I have never had the first complaint about this machine! My repairman works on all brands of machines, and he said the Janome 6600 is the best, and everyone loves it! As others have said, it is a real work horse, and a joy to use.

My 6600 is my favorite machine...I purchased in 2010 right before Christmas so I got a good deal at my LQS for paying cash rather than credit card. I have since purchased the Janome 8900 (a couple years ago) but cannot part with my 6600. I'm not sure what they cost now but the upgraded models are not built as rugged as the 6600 IMHO

I have the Janome 6500P instead. I'm told the only thing that is really different is the walking foot on mine has to be put on by hand instead of being built in. I paid over $1600 for mine and it has more stitches that I will never ever use. Probably the 6600P is the same way. Really look at the machine and evaluate all the stitches available. Would you really use them? Test the numerous quilting and utility stitches....the are actually quite small, so would you use them?
I ordered my machine on line and wish I had gone to a Janome store to see it before plunking down that much money.

I have nothing but good things to say about my Janome 6600. I love the 11" harp space for FMQ and the other features are great also.

The 6600 has a 9 inch work space, not 11 inch.

I bought mine almost 5 years ago for $1500, which included a wonderful sewing table that it fits in. I love it. You do have to use Janome brand bobbins. They look like other bobbins, but the 6600 knows the difference. I've made 65 quilts on her so far with no problems.

Bought mine used from a friend about 5 years ago. I love it. If it dies I would probably buy the same machine again. I use mine a lot and it ha held up well. I also have a Janome 9700 that does embroidery. I like the 6600P better.

I've had my 6600 five years now and paid 1100.00. It was on the janome sale around dec-Jan. It does not have a free arm but I have my 3500 Janome for that. Have had no problems with mine at all and I sew most days of the week. Mine has the accufeed foot not built in, but no problem changing the feet.

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bought mine new 2008 also never a lick of trouble love this machine Only use Janome bobbins-for sure and yes I do throw bobbins away after a year. I select about 10 bobbins, use them Throughout the year then pitch! All plastics wear out. I change my needle every other week no matter what. If I'm really on a tear I change it every week. Have this beauty serviced every year while we go on vacation.
FYI. Too often problems occur when one forgets to clean the feed dogs and bobbin case.