I am a huge Bernina fan, especially because of the free-motion quilting BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). That said, go wherever you have a really good tech on site.

a lot depends on the dealer and how far you have to travel to get service.

I have had 3 Vikings over the past 35 years. Each time I upgraded and traded in the old one. I have a Lily 550 that I have had since 1998 and love it. No problems, only been in the shop just to be checked over. No repairs ever needed and it has sewn a lot of kids clothes, mended and now for the past 4 years making quilts. I am sure you will get dozens of recommendations from everyone on the board as we all have our favorites. I don't think you can go wrong with Bernina, Viking, Jannome or Paff, they are all good machines.

I've heard great things about all the brands you ask about. I have a Bernina 1530 from 1992 that was given to me and I love it. It does everything I ask of it and we are getting to be good friends. If I could I would only have Berninas.

I have several machines, but the newest one is a Janome 6600P.
So far I really like it except for one thing: I also have used a Bernina for years, and the difference in the way the Bernina starts and the way the Janome starts are worlds apart!
My Bernina takes off like she's in the lead in a major race; the Janome just has the "whenever" attitude. It's VERY frustrating! And yes, I understand that they're built like that for a reason...but...when I touch that foot pedal (or the "stop-start" button, I expect the same response (or close!) I get when I touch the Bernina...and I'm not getting it! And no, I really don't think I'm just being cranky! Plan to ask my dealer about it Monday...

I see a lot of positive feedback for the Janome 6600 and the Horizon. It's great to buy from a store that allows you to come back for lessons.

I just purchased a Viking Saphire 835 and love it! I had my previous Viking for 25 years (it still works like the day we bought it) so I wanted to stay with Viking. This has lots of features I haven't had before and am loving learning how to use it.

I have a 19 yr. old Viking and love it, as Brothers and Singers.

I was all set to buy the Janome 6600 but when I went to get it they wre out of stock, the gentleman at the shop suggested the Elna 7300 and to be honest, I love it! It has a lot of the same features as the Janome 6600 (of course it is made by Janome so that makes sense) but there are a few extras and hte price was lower to boot, maybe check out both? Best thing to do is test drive all the ones you are interested in for after all this is not a low budghet item and it takes time to make sure.

Good luck and happy stitching!

From someone who made a bad purchase the first time, go and try them out again and again and again. I now have a Bernina and love it. Like several of the other members have said, the dealer also means alot.
Robin in TX