I have the Viking Sapphire 830 with the large throat. I find it is now a neccessity to have a large throat. No auto thread cutter or knee lift but has everything else. The walking foot was no where near 100 dollars. Ask the shop about the cost.
Mine is not an embroidery machine, just could not afford the extra 1000 dollars for it.
My machine was 1100 when it first came out but is much cheaper now.
Check it out.