I have used a 6500 for over 10 years and I can highly recommend it. Does everything I want and I am a demanding quilter. I have taken it to classes where it was one of the best performers. I have never needed to have it serviced. ( I do keep it clean). Features I like: auto thread cut, alphabet for quilt labels, button to set the needle up or down, strong motor, freemotion, walking foot (handy for sewing on binding).