Zinda

If you're able to price whatever machine you decide to go with at two different dealers, I'd highly recommend it. I'm a snowbird and was able to price the same machine (Bernina 830) at a dealer in Florida and one in Wisconsin. The Florida dealer was $2000 under the Wisconsin dealer. I, or rather, my husband, had previously purchased a new 200e Bernina when they first came out, from the Wisconsin dealer so she knew me rather well. It was discouraging to see such a price difference!

bneuen

I love the Pfaff brand. Hope you looked at those as well.

Kris P

I purchased my Janome 6600 used from my dealer for about what you are looking to spend on the 4120. The 6600 retails for twice what I paid for it. I recently found a 6600 for my friend on Craigslist for $800. He DH bought it for her for her birthday. My 6600 is amazing, so I'd suggest looking used if you have the time.

Sharonquilts

You didn't mention your budget and I don't know the price of the machines you are considering. I bought a Juki F600 a few months ago and love it. I have a local dealer but, from what I've read on several boards, a lot of people have purchased theirs online. It has a nice size "throat" which is great for quilting, sews quietly, and has more stitches than I will ever use. The Juki has all the "bells & whistles" I was looking for at a lower price. I looked at a Janome but it was out of my price range. Buy the machine that speaks to you and fits your budget. Good luck!

paoberle

Test the machines the pick the one you like best and that fits your budget. Features someone else likes may be ones that you will never use or are unimportant to you. Go with your gut but make sure you pick a dealer that you fell will be there when and if you need him.

angelarose

Does Babylock fit into this discussion? I had an Esante, I think, reconditioned, but I sold it. Too much machine for me at the time although it's performance was great. Too heavy for me to travel with so I sold it to someone who really wanted to embroider and all that. I then bought a more basic Janome which has served me v. well. But Babylock is calling me. It was so smooth. I hesitate about Bernina b/c of the expensive parts, etc. Anyone out there a Babylock fan?

Shelbie

I would take a look at Juki machines. I now have two of them, the Juki TL98Q a heavy duty fast straight stitch machine and my brand new Juki Exceed 600 with all the bells and whistles. I am in love with both of them and they piece and quilt beautifully without balking, growling, jamming and breaking needles like my Janome 6500 did at seam junctions. For about $2500 you could buy both of these machines (TL 210Q is the newer model of my first Juki). My friends paid over $4000 for their Berninas and I don't think they sew one bit better than my Juki.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree too. You test drive when buying a car and you need to do the same thing. The best buys usually are at Quilt shows because the dealers having opened the box, must sell them as used. Use the same technique in buying a car. When getting down to the final cost, see if there are any freebies they can add to the mix. I always played one Bernina dealership against another to get the best bang for my dollar.

peppermint31

a good reliable dealer is priceless!!!

slbram17

As others have stated, make your best effort to test the machine, whether used or new. Try sewing several layers of your own material (faux fur, corduroy, thin faux leather) as well as thin material. You might find it is difficult or impossible on some, which could frustration down the road.