I love my little Janome and my big Brother. Check with a local dealer and see your machince can be repaired or if they will take in on a trade. All they can do is say no. May save you some money. But I certainly agree, be sure to try out the machine before you buy and if they offer classes be sure to take them. I have had my Brother for 7 months now and am just going to take the classes the first Saturday in December. I wish I taken them a little sooner as it would be easier to figure out how do some of things I want to do. In the end, enjoy your new machine.