I have had the Juki TL-98Q for a few years....she gets a workout nearly every day. I absolutely love her!
Check out the warranty on both machines. I believe the Juki only has a 90 day warranty due to the fact it is deemed an industrial machine.

Me, too. It's a great machine. I piece and quilt on mine every day. I can't say anything about the Juki because I've never even seen one in person.

That auto foot cutter on the Juki would be a dream.

Have you read all the reviews on Amazon? Sometimes those are helpful for pointing out specific strengths or weaknesses. If it were me, I would probably get the Juki. I have heard here and there about fussy tension on some of the Brother 1500 and 1600 line sewing machines. Haven't heard about tension issues with Juki's.

I got the Brother from Amazon. LOVE IT!!! Workhorse. Simple to use, simple to oil and keep clean. Beautiful stitches!

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, the two brands/models seem to be very even.

QuiltnNan - the P stands for Perfection and it actually seems to be the same as the Q model and attachments. It seems to be the only Juki straight stitch machine avaliable internationally (or at least in New Zealand).

bigsister63 - Unfortunately I don't think Amazon ship sewing machines internationally and the voltage wouldn't allow it to work here without a transformer either, so I don't really have any other price options. The importer is located at basically the other end of the country but it does have a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. No, the knitting shop is actually just a knitting shop that also sells sewing machines but nothing else sewing or knitting related.

Prism99 - Thanks for the suggestion of Amazon reviews I will have to have a bit of a read. Think I'm starting to lean towards the Juki and definately am not keen on fussy tension.

Where are you LeranerDriver? I am just north of Auckland. you are most welcome to come and try my Juki

Thanks for the kind offer kamaiarigby, however unfortunately I'm down in Christchurch. How have you found the Juki?