New machine time - need help choosing

[Annav]

I would recommend going to your local dealer and test drive everything in your price range. I looked on line for weeks and the machine I thought I wanted wasn't the one I ended up liking the most when I test drive all the different machines. I ended up with the Janome MC6300 and really like it. I has a 9" throat, snippers, needle up/down, automatic threader, double-needle/thread capability, and about 60 different stitches. For me, that is plenty. It also came standard with a walking foot and quilting/darning foot, the feed dawgs drop, and it has a knee lifter for the presser foot. You can also change the pressure on the foot, especially when you FMQ. It has guides that come standard on it as well. Best thing from buying from a dealer, whatever machine you chose, is that they generally service them on site, and they provide you with several hours of lessons on how to use your machine and its accessories for free. I believe mine cost about $1100 on sale from my dealer. When it came in, they even took it out of the box and made sure all the parts that were supposed to be there were there before turning it over to me. Oh, and it also came with an extender table that I love using. Also something else to keep in mind: some manufacturers will void the machine warranty unless you buy from a dealer. In other words, if you buy your machine from amazon.com, your warranty may be void, you won't get service from them, and you won't get any lessons on how to use your new machine. Whatever you decide, best wishes on finding the one you like.