I'm new to quilting and my machine is 20 plus years old. I want to invest in a new machine and have been looking at Janome and Bernina. I want a computerized machine but nothing high end. Does anyone have any experience with the new Janome Journey? Thanks for your input.

Hi and welcome from the sunny state of Florida!!
I use a machine that's over 40 yrs. old so I'm of no help to you!

Janome is getting pretty great reviews by alot of quilters. There is a group that will tell you Bernina is the only way to go. My experience is the add on specialty feet are alot more expensive for a Bernina. No matter what test drive the exact model you are interested in purchasing. Bring your own fabrics the types you will be sewing . Make a small quilt sandwich to test the machine. It really is to only way to know how it will perform.
Ask about how much plastic is in the machine, Light weight typically means more plastic , which does not handle long term use as well as metal.
I consider myself an extreme sewer, long hours , and some pretty high speeds at times. I like "metal guts" in my machine.
As about how often it will require a "tune -up" some computer machines are very maintience intensive in comparison to the older non - compertized that if we oiled them and cleaned the lint out we were good to go for years with out ever taking them in for service.
Compare WARRENTIES!

Even though you've narrowed your choices down to Janome and Bernina, I'd like to put my two cents worth in about Pfaff. Mine is not computerized, but I love this machine. Especially the built-in walking foot. It has been extremely reliable and a real workhorse. If I ever decide to upgrade it will definitely be another Pfaff.

Welcome, waving from Indiana,

I would suggest go and test drive different sewing machines

It is great advice to test drive the exact model you are thinking of buying. I have a Bernina and absolutely love it. That being said, the Janome's are decent machines too. The new Janome Horizon is awesome! As far as the Bernina's go, consider a used one from a reputable dealer. They come with warranties and keep their value, so you can trade them in, just like cars.

Good Luck with what ever you choose and don't forget the pics.

I have 3 Bernina machines, and I have a Janome 6500. I love my Berninas, but the Janome is nice also. I think you should try the machines at your local dealers and see which one you like best.

Most Bernina dealers sell new and used machines with a full warranty, and the store where I buy mine also services the machines. They never send machines out for repair. I think that is a very important consideration.

The bobbin winder on my Janome stopped working in less than a year and the Janome repair man couldn't find what was wrong. To have it fixed, I had to pay to ship it to a factory, even though it was still under warranty.

Whichever brand you choose, it's good to know where servicing will be done, and how long you will be without your machine if it needs to be sent out for repair.

Have fun shopping and deciding.

I have a singer thats over 40 yrs old and a kenmore don't know the age it was my aunts. I also have brother 8500D and 4000D and I will have a Feather weight soon as it gets here I also have a Pfaff. I got the Pfaff used 10 years ago and it has been a good machine. My Brothers I use for machine Embroidery. When you buy a machine think about the weight of the machine and if your going to sew-in or work shop or just sew at home. Try out the different ones at the different shops. And go for the one you like and the price you can afford

The last Janome that I bought had a 25yr. warrenty. it is up and I still haven't had a bit of trouble yet.

My Kenmore sewing machine was over 20 years old when I gave it away and, as far as I know, it is still going strong. I never had a problem with it, either. I just stopped using when I got my Janome. The old machines sure were workhorses.