There are going to be good and bad reviews of most machines as there are lemons out there in every brand, and I think some people just don't bond with their machine, not necesarily a bad machine but just not the machine for them. I would look at service record, stitch count, try it out with different threads. Are you buying used from a dealer or private party. If a machine is well cared for you can get something great for a good deal. I know whoever got my babylock espire from my dealer got a good deal, because she was well maintained and cared for. I always cleaned her out meticulously and she got serviced every year.