jbo,
I have 5 machines from '98 to Aug 3 2000 ( 14 days to payoff
) I have had great luck with all. The only parts so far (knock on wood) are the crapy encoders in the 4th axis.
The biggest problem most people seem to have is the dealer themselves. If they wont go to bat for you or have crappy service you are screwed if a problem comes up. Try to find (make the salesman take you) some Haas SHOP owners in the area.
Gary