Which machine do I want?

[AnyDream]

I have a Bernina (so totally not relevant to your question) which sews like a dream. BUT I was going to stress the importance of buying from an actual sewing shop/centre as you will get a world of difference in terms of access to classes on how to best use the machine's features, as well as all that after sales servicing, etc.

[LimeSlice]

I have a Bernina (so totally not relevant to your question) which sews like a dream. BUT I was going to stress the importance of buying from an actual sewing shop/centre as you will get a world of difference in terms of access to classes on how to best use the machine's features, as well as all that after sales servicing, etc.

Yes, this. Sorry, I was FAK-ing earlier! LOL

I also have a Bernina, and am totally in love with it! I am not sure where any Bernina centres are in Melbourne (bought mine in Perth) but there is a Janome at Southland, so bound to be one near you somewhere - Highpoint is out by you isn't it? - worth a look. You will get so much better service, after sales support and they will even give you some basic instruction on it so you know what you are doing before you leave the store. They are really helpful and you know then your machine will be serviced properly, with quality parts.

For me, the questions you need to be asking is how long is the warranty, what does it NOT cover, what the most frequent fault is and why they are returned, and are the gears plastic or metal.