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 !

So Montana...did you buy it from the lady as a private party, or did you buy it from the dealer?? I'm so excited for you, it's fun to get a new toy like that! Will it be your Christmas present? Or will you be able to get some fun accessories to play with it!?

I am so happy for you. Have fun with your new toy.

Congratulations! I never fret about the price of something I buy. If it is what I want at the price I am willing to pay for it then that is all that matters. No matter what I buy someone will say 'you could have gotten a better price at'

i just bought it from her right after the bernina guys cleaned and checked it out! i guess it's going to have to be my christmas present so no extras :( :( . but that's okay, there's enough on that machine to keep me busy for awhile!!

I'm sooo happy for you! Congrats on your new toy...best friend!!

Oh I am so happy for you, I have had a Bernina, I know mine isn't much like yours, its old like I am. But I have loved it ever since I got it. No frills no thrills but no pain. It hasn't missed a lick since I got it in the early 80's. Good luck to you with yours, I am actually envious. I would love a new one, but like so many people, it works so I can't talk myself into buying a new one even if it isn't fancy.

Rita

I would check with your LQS again and find out about financing on a BERNINA card. I am not sure what day it was, but there was going to be interest free financing for 48 months with monthly payments. That is how I purchased mine back in October. I know there was an 18 month financing deal going on too. Worth checking out.

You're going to love your new machine. Congratulations!!

thanks! i do love it so far. maybe someday i can get an even newer one but for now and until i win the lotto :lol: i'll be happy with it!!