They are great but if you do need parts (not accessories) they are getting very hard to find or if it is a board they have to be rebuilt at a pretty high cost.

I have the ambition essential. I haven't had any problems so far - other than the learning curve. This is my first computerized machine. This is a brand new model so finding parts shouldn't be a problem.

One thing to remember, if you don't buy from a dealer, they may not want to service it at all.....I would definitely recommend buying from a dealer. And some of them will have good used machines for much less than new!

I have had Pfaffs in the past and just bought another Quilt Expression 4.0. I really love the machine and the quality of the sewing. But the one time I needed a part replaced on the QE 4, it took about 6 weeks. But they sent me a new machine so I know their warranties are good. I had other machines I could sew on, so I was still able to sew. But still it seemed like a long wait. Also I'm 150 miles away from the nearest dealer.

I have an older Pfaff as my backup machine. When it came time to buy a new machine, I decided on another Pfaff. This one was a new machine and I could tell the difference in workmanship. Turns out we did not get along at all and I gave her away. Instead, I bought a Baby Lock and we are VERY happy together. Customer service and support has gone downhill since Pfaff became part of a holding company (VSP). My dealer no longer deals in Pfaffs and has a hard time getting parts for repairs.

What did you decide to do? I know that many people buy off EBay but I have a real fear of getting a lemon and having no options because it didn't come from a dealer. To me it is more important that I have access to the education and support from a dealer.

I have the Pfaff Ambition (1.0) and love it. Purchased it from a local dealer so it included free machine usage classes. And I purchased the extended warranty so if there ever is a problem they will fix and/or replace it - even clean it for free. I love the built-in walking foot (IDT) which allows me to engage the walking foot while also using different feet like the 1/4" foot for quilting. Goes through lots of layers no problem!