I have been saving money like crazy so that I can buy a better machine. What would your advice be?

A Janome 9700. That way you get a great machine, great service, and it has a ton of sewing stitches AND embroidery for 4x4 and 5x7 hoops. It would be versatile for everythingl.

I have a Tin Lizzie Longarm, Janome 9500, Janome 1600 P-QC, and some oldies I have around collecting dust. z:)

Also consider what brand to get by finding the nearest dealer or repair center.

Husqvarna viking combo/sewing/embroidery

Save a little more and get a Bernina. They are the best.

I'm a big Fan with Janome. Elna is made by Janome too.

Based on my experiences with just about every make out there, I would go for a Pfaff with IDT.

However, what are you wanting to do with your machine? If you are more interested in straight sewing, I would seriously look at an older machine such as a Pfaff 2056 or Bernina 930, both of which which you could easily find for under $1,000. Remember, newer isn't always better, unfortunately. An older machine would also leave you with money left over for a featherwight, or other more portable machine for classes.

If embroidery is high on your list of priorities, I have to say that I love my Vikings for that - very intuitive to use, imo, and great stitch quality.

a Featherweight and a 201 :-)

That would be enough to get a decent Bernina. If you didn't go with the embroidery option you might even be able to get the BSR. I confess I now own two embrodery machines but they do only embroidery. I don't like having to take my machine apart and add or subtract parts everytime I want to embroider etc. If you are a machine quilter the BSR would probably be worth adding.

Since the Janome machines are rated highest in "not having to be shop serviced". I would go with a top of the line Janome. Also, when you check on a machine,check on the prices of feet, hoops, and etc. Buying those from other co's. will cost a fortune. Janome will take even generic feet. Janome's are made by Janome, not some little shop in China.

You should spend a day running around test driving them all. I have a Pfaff with idt that I love love love. However it takes 6 weeks, sometimes more when it goes in to be serviced. So when I went to get another machine for a better backup, I purchased a Bernina! I love it also and get free classes for a year along with 10% off everything I buy! They are both great machines but I think once I purchase the walking foot for my Bernina, Pfaff may become the backup. Neither has a stitch regulator, that would be nice to have.