Sewing Machine

I am in the market for a new machine. I think I would love a Bernina but the cheapest is about $700, so I have gone to a few shops and found a Elna in my price range that I like and a Viking 1800. Does anyone have any opinions? It is so hard to compare the two when they are at different shops and people are so opinionated on the ones they have to sell...AM I making sense? Please tell me anything you know I would appreciate it!