They are cheaper now than when I bought mine 18 months ago - but - I still feel it was worth the price. I have sewed and sewed and sewed (at least 50 tops for Linus Connection) and haven't had any trouble at all. I know nothing about machines but was told by a few people that it is the best so I just did it. After my husband kept up-grading our computer I figured a new machine was an okay choice for me. YOU WILL LOVE IT!