Find and meet the 'local' dealer of the machine of your choice. If the dealer does not feel right for you, you may want to meet the next dealer.
You will have a long relationship with your dealer and it should be a good one.

I'd figure out that Bernina, spending the £150 on a tune-up and a lesson if need be.

Thank you everybody.. would keep the Bernina but mum in law wants it back! Will give David Drummonds a call and make a wish list of features...