Janome 6500
 

I'm in the market for a sewing machine with a larger throat. I just got a call from a local sewing machine store (they sell Vikings and Janomes) that they just got a used (3 years old) Janome Memory Craft 6500, and are selling it for $1,250.00. This includes sewing lessons, and the same warranties as a new machine.

I have some questions I hope you can help with.

-Is this the same machine as the 6500P? Based on my internet research, I think so, but I'd like to verify that.

-What do you think of the price? I can buy a new 6500P online for close to this price. I would not do that, I want the lessons and warranties, but I feel like I'm paying a lot for the lessons and warranties.

-For those who own this machine, what do you like/dislike. Have you had lots of repairs? Would you buy it again? I've read reviews on line, but so many people write the review after they have owned the machine for a very short period of time (one person had owned the machine for 8 hours, another wrote a review based on test driving the machine at a dealership, and did not own it.) I want to know if you are still happy after several years. I sew almost every day, so my machines get lots of use.

-I DO NOT like the salesman. I'm not sure how much of a factor that should be. I need to ask to be sure, but if he is giving the sewing lessons, I think it will be a deal breaker.

Thanks in advance for any advice you have. Buying a sewing machine is a stressful as buying a car!

The 6500 machine is good machine.

The 6600 was the updated version and certainly a few more things that you want in it. I believe the AccuFeed is not on the 6500, and after having the 6600 with it, I would not recommend the 6500.

You've compared your price, and already can see that you are not getting a big drop in price from a new one. Take your research a step further and compare the price to the 6600 ..... and further still to the 8200 (or is it 8900?) which is the newer and more updated model.

Of course, only you know what features you "need" and are willing to pay the extra dollars for. But sometimes going a little further than you "want" will keep you from an upgrade for longer .......... and in the end that is all a savings to you!

As for the salesman ... if you are already not comfortable, really think twice! Ideally you will have a long relationship with this dealer, and if you are uncomfortable now, will it get any better, with him or anyone else in the shop, as often times, the atmosphere is the same from one to the other.

Not liking the salesman alone would be a deal breaker for me.

I can't do business with someone I don't like. Especially if I don't like the person who would be dealing with my machine.

I don't think that's a very good price for a 3 yr old 6500. I paid barely more than that for my 6600.

I think that price is much too high. This machine requires a separate walking foot and quarter inch foot. It does not have a free arm and the extension table is an extra. Mine has been used almost every day and has had issues for quite some time but I've been able to work around them. The bobbin winder stopped working several years ago and one of the spool pins broke off. These are costly repairs that I chose not to make. Just keep in mind that sewing machine salespeople haggle like car dealers and use the same tactics. If you can't stand the pressure, take someone with you who is a tough negotiator. See how many of the extras will be thrown in to sweeten the deal. If you don't like the salesperson that will surely sour your entire experience. Comparison shop and DON'T accept that deal.

I bought mine about 6 years ago on a 4th of July special sale for $700. and because it had been a demo a few times they threw in the extension table.

I own the 6500P (same machine) and love love love it. That is too much for the machine. I bought mine new add didn't pay that much. It's been out for a long time. Janome's are real workhorses, rarely need repair and sew beautifully.

Thanks everyone. I'm passing on this one.

I bought a new 6600 year and half ago, and the salesman (owner) has given me free lessons and does free service also.I would check with some other dealers (phone them) and get some other prices.

I bought my Janome 6500 10 years ago it is a absolute work horse I love it the only problem I have is the knee lift is not working as well as it should but that is because I have used the knee lift so much