It has been almost 3 years but my JH600 came direct from the factory. It actually was not too painful. It is not all bad to go direct to the factory. I had it delivered to a local shop. If you go this route, I would make sure your local shop does not do anything until you are present. Anyway, if you buy one,I can tell you the JH600 has been pretty good to me. Biggest issues I have had were local mechanics. I now have decent mechanic and things are OK. (knock on wood)