Many Bernina owners wouldn't use anything else. I find them pricey compared to other comparable machines...especially the attachments... as already mentioned. If you are willing to spend $600 as you mentioned, usually there are a number of good gently used machines of very high quality offered by the companies who took them in on upgrades or even from an individual. That's a little more risky to buy from an individual you don't know. I think you're doing your homework which is a very good thing!