I would always choose a dealer that services the machine you buy and does it well. So much can go wrong (often our own fault, certainly when we are new to it). Good support is essential in my view. We have all made beginners' mistakes with our machines. Is there no other dealer around?

You definitely need a dealer that supports the machine you buy. Have you thought about buying a newer used or discontinued model from a dealer that services that brand?

Fatladysingsone, welcome to the site. I definitely wouldn’t buy a machine that my dealer wouldn’t service – been there, done that – AND paid the price! I got the impression that quite often there’s a reason why they won’t service a particular brand of machine e.g. they are prone to breaking down, or maybe the manufacturer isn’t very helpful. I’m definitely not saying either of those about Singer (I owned a Singer embroidery machine, and while it did have problems during the warranty period, Singer were more than helpful.) But it might be a good idea to ask why your dealer doesn’t service Singer. All the best with whatever machine you buy and many happy hours sewing.

I would be very hesitant to purchase something that expensive that I could not readily have repaired or even serviced on a yearly basis at the very least. From your question you are hesitant, also. Ask your dealer if perhaps they will be having a purchase for "X" amount of months with no interest in the near future. Mine does that once a year. Was the Singer 7470 in your price range, is that the reason that it was chosen? If you have found one, is it from a reputable dealer? Are they just not certified to work on that brand? I would at the very least suggest that you find out how far you are going to have to take a Singer to get it serviced, as I know almost all of the current brands request (and require for warranty) that you have a certified dealer service it once a month. Good for you for starting to do your research first. Welcome and good luck to you! ;)

Hi, go to singers website (they have a great one) and locate a local dealer. You may have one in a city nearby. The key to your geting a machine you will be satisified with is research.

Dealer support is crucial. Does your dealer perhaps have a used Bernina or Viking cheaper? Lots of people 'trade up', that's how I got my regular Janome machine for a really good price. Also, isn't Bernina having some kind of 75th anniversary sale or something? Thought I saw that at my dealer. I would trust a Singer machine, but service is SO important, at least find out how far you need to go to get it. Best of luck, glad to see you're doing your homework first.

I has been years since I asked that question and you all gave me such great advice. I ended up buying a used Viking from my dealer and I love it even though it is older. My first machines are from the 1940's (which is why I wanted to update) and the Viking is 1980's (?). Thanks so much for your advice.

Lovely to hear from you and with a update on the machine you bought. Most shops have a great selection of excellent pre used machines which are excellent value. Both my machines were hardly used machines that had been traded in for what was then the next latest model.

Machines that are repaired my the dealers is very important. I would buy a machine the dealer repairs and cleans. Lots of people trade in their machine for a model that is newer. You can get great deals on those machine with the warranty...Scout around and get a machine the dealer repairs. Try then out also to make sure it is what you want. Good luck.