I would go along with what patrice said, only my "new" machine is a Brother Ult 2002D. ( bought right before the 2003 model came out) I definately like the auto threader!
Honestly, this was a onetime purchase for me, too. when I bought it i knew this would be the last fancy machine I would buy. Considering that the previous one, a kenmore, has lasted me nearly 25 years and is still in use by my one DD I think I'll be happy for a long time.