So I had read when looking up that model online, brand doesn't really matter to me as long as it runs... As the guy at the fab shop said, there are probbaly a decent number of MIG rigs that are being sold by shops like his because they aren't reliable enough for use all day long 5-6 days a week, but for what I am doing, they will do just fine
Will certainly be looking for a good deal and not for a particular brand. Once out of warranty, the Snap On branded Miller or Lincoln will work just as well as the one branded by the factory (and it might be easier to get parts for as well).
Aaron Z