You can get a vintage Singer 301 that is only 15 lbs for around $100-$150.

Try garage sales, friend got one for $5. a little Kenmore, Salvation Army and bargain shops, all are fun to go to besides.

My embroidery machine and my every day sewing machine and my new quilting machine are all Brothers and I love them! I tend to agree with you~

The thrift stores around here sell sewing machines for about $20-50, and one of the shops in particular is really good about testing the machines. Their machines come with a sample of the stitches sewn on that machine and have tags on the side listing any problems, missing parts, etc. I wish I had a TON more space because I love the looks of all those old machines but really can't find an excuse to buy one! (I still have my own "vintage" backup/portable machine I bought when I first moved out of the house!)

I use an inexpensive Brother I got from Amazon and love it. It weighs about 10lbs and is easy to use and tote around. It is also very reliable. Hope you find what you're looking for. :)

The Viking I had didn't sew a good seam, sometimes it worked, sometimes not. It was constantly jamming. I spent more time at class, trying to fix than sewing. The sewing machine dealer said that all newer machines have plastic parts are not going to sew as well as the metal machines. I

I guess I will keep looking at garage sales and on craigs list for a machine, Thanks for the info.