romanojg

I think the built in walking foot is great but there are other things that I use every time I sew that are more important. The needle up/down button, the thread cutter, the ability to move needle left to right if need be, etc. I have a basic Janome/kenmore machine and it sews great. It never cares what type of thread I use it keeps on going. It never needs oiling just dusting and cleaning the bobbin area and it is happy. One day I want one with all of the bills and whistles on it but that will be when my car is paid off and when my house is paid off; in about 5 years. Then I'll justify spending that much on a really great machine.

DogHouseMom

I bought an "experienced" Janome 6600 for $700 from a dealer - so it had a thorough "go over" before I got it.

It has an integrated walking foot which I love.
Needle up/down.
Plenty of decorative stitches plus lettering.
Needle threader (which I don't use)
Thread cutter.

I love quilting on it.

Moonpi

Me too. For the money, the Kenmores have a lot of quality. i did have to buy the walking foot separately, but lots of heirloom and decorative stitches, and it's cheap to keep. Aside from cleaning, mine hasn't needed a thing, and it's five years old. It has needle up and down settings, stitch in place to tack, the threader, and feed dogs go down for free motion. It was on sale over Labor Day for $259.