There is so much good advice here! I shopped for over a year b4 buying my HQ Avante (which I love
), and the dealer was the reason I bought the machine I did. She (my dealer) is really awesome! And she has free ongoing classes and group meetings for all customers who want to attend. I get lots of help, and am always learning new things. She regularly buys a new machine and puts the gently used floor model up for sale here:
http://www.longarmuniversity.com/MachinesForSale.html
If you want to consider a used machine, this is a good place to shop. You might be able to find something close by in your area. good luck with your hunt.