I only need to sew plain stitches on cotton. Cheap would be a plus.

I just ordered this one from hsn. 4 payments of 74.98 I LOVE it :) Its very much like the one my mom has that is 25years old. (Singer brand) So I would say its durable.

http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/singer-...=ct0053&ocm=CT|ct0052|ct0053&prev=hp!sf!cat&ccm=CT|ct0052|ct0053

Go to Wmt or Overstock.com and buy the Brother Project Runway. It even comes with the 1/4 foot! Great buy, reliable, and under $150. Has a 25 year warranty on the motor and self-threads.

I love mine. I've had it for 2 years and made about 20 quilts with it. I've only had one of those quilts long-armed. This machine is lightweight, but really works hard.

I got a $165.00 Brother from Costco last year for Christmas because "all I needed was to sew clothes for the kids"... Then this summer I picked up quilting and wish I'd gotten a little better machine when I did buy. However, I will use this til it falls apart then splurge on something better.;)

Go to a local sew and vac , and shop for a good used machine . The early machines were simple , all metal and real workhorses. Since these machines are non-computerized the dealer or sew and vac is very likely to give you a warrenty as well.
All of the machines my grandmothers used are still running( and they have had decades of real use). My local dealer always tells me just keep them oiled and clean of lint and they will run forever.
So many of the new machines have plastic parts and computer chips , all which are lmore likely to have problems than a simple all metal , no chips machine.

I would look on Craigslist for a vintage machine. I have a pink '61 Atlas (Japanese made, all metal- runs fabulous) $28.00 and a 1953 Singer 15-91 ($60 in perfect cabinet).

You cannot buy a machine likes these today. The 15-91 is a total workhorse- will sew through leather, and is a straight stitch. The Atlas will do zig zag and some fancy stitches with cams.

For your money- buy one that will never wear out, that you can oil yourself and has no plastic parts. My new Juki, which also fits that description, runs about $700.00, but for less than $50, in a thrift store or on Craigslist, you should be able to find what you need. You will never regret it.

Talk to Lostin51. He has all sorts of machines.

or check out the Vintage Machine section here. Lots of knowledgeable folks will help you. Billy (Lostn51) is the head elf of the machine rescues.

try craigslist.

I've found postings about vintage machines, but haven't located the dedicated section ... can you give me the link?!