I went to my LQS and they had a demo today with a Bernina 440QE. It was an awesome machine!! On sale for $3,000. I so couldn't afford that even though i wish i could!! Anyhow, there was another lady watching the demo next to me, she ended up buying it. Lucky her!! She was going to sell her machine which is a Bernina Artista 170 with the embroidery update (never used) she wants to sell it to me for 1500.00!!! I feel sooooo lucky today!! There isn't much difference between the two machines so i figured might as well!!! Okay, now, is this too much? Any comments on this machine Now, don't hold back--i'd rather know now. tomorrow i'm supposed to go to her house and look at everything. I can maybe talk her down on the price-we'll see.

Check out these sites before you buy!!!!!
Looks like it does not have a very good rating

I would buy a new one and have lessons on how to use it rather than a used one that I do not know what problems it may have. Some Bernina dealers have financing programs I have a Bernina charge card that I have not used yet. that way you can always go back to the dealer and get help

Better to be trained how to use the machine properly if you are paying so much. Just my opinion. I got my Bernina from a dealer :thumbup: :D


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...achine&spell=1


I always say think before you buy Bebe.
We all get excited when we are looking for a new toy :D :shock:

I agree. Keep checking at your LQS for used machines. I found my sewing/embroidery combo there. It's last years model and they had marked it down from $2500 to $1200. I told her I had to think about it and she knocked it down to $1000. How could I go wrong.

I bought a used 440QEE for about 3000...now I feel ripped off...but it only had 16 hours on it, and was sparkling! So, no complaints. I love, love, love the machine, it's been worth every nickel so far! I know nothing about the other models though, sorry, wish I could offer an opinion. Good luck with whatever you do!

I tend to agree with Bebee....see if you can find a used machine at your Bernina dealer. They will always refurb the machine before they put it out for sale, so you know you have at least a year before it would need service. The lessons included were necessary for me...(I like to learn by hands on).

That said though, this may be a good deal...do you know the person...trust that she has had it serviced regularly, have all the original parts and pieces??? Would it be something that you could use a while then trade in or would you want to do that? Would it have a good resale value?? I know...lots of questions...

Well being a proud owner of 2 Bernina's I would have to say I think in general it's a very good machine. But a little over priced. The last time I was in my dealership they had a couple of 180's they were selling for $1200. Complete with the embroidery. I would be sure to ask her if she has had it serviced regularly and how many times it has been in the shop for repair.

Mine is a 440QE and I love it.
Never heard a complaint regarding Bernina.

well....i bought it! thank you all for the advice. she just got it serviced from the bernina guy and he was there and i got to talk to him about the machine, excellent condition so, hubby gave me a check. tried it out last night and fell in love with it!!!

I love my bernina 440QE now. At first I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing. I found mine on sale for 3,000 with 18 month free interest a year ago.After I got used to it, I love it. I wouldn't want to be without the stitch regulator. It is great for free motion quilting.

It is top quality. Enjoy !