Do you have second had places to look at. In UK we have gumtree, preloved etc or contact a dealer or search on site. I have purchased janome from direct sale type places which offer next day delivery servicing and some machines are those you try at shops. Do a good google.you could buy second hand better machine tha new age would be only proble.

I have the Janome 6600 and love her dearly. She has a lot of bells and whistles, some I use, some not.....and I do use the deco stitches as they can add a bit of pizzazz to most any quilted item.....I would hate to see you buy a machine without trying it out first, but I do understand your dilemma....do take some time and research all kinds of machines here on the board and using google....everyone will have a differing opinion, but make sure there aren't issues with your choice (i.e. parts breaking easily, tension problems, warranty issues).....it is great fun looking and comparing machines, but take your time!

Basically, when a domestic machine is advertised as a quilting machine, it has one or more of the following features:
Large harp area (area to the right of the needle), extended sewing base, comes with built in dual feed or walking foot, and has a setting or foot to achieve a 1/4" seam (which you will probably have to adjust anyway). These machines are not going to piece or quilt your quilt better than a machine without 'quilting' in the name, the features just make it easier. All these features can be used for regular sewing and many regular machines have some or all of these features.

I looked at the picture of the brother model you mention. Looks like a very small harp area. You are not going to easily get a big quilt in there to piece or quilt. I agree with the posters who mentioned going to a dealer and looking at what they have, or just getting an older straight stitch machine.

Do as much research online as you can. Decide what functions you really want and then start narrowing down your choices. Check the websites for dealers close to you. They will be more willing to work with you if you have issues. I'm sure any dealer would send a machine through the mail.

I would second this...or the other poster who mentioned a used machine. Craigslist usually has a ton of 'vintage' machines for very little money. A Singer 201 has a somewhat larger harp area. I think it's only straight stitch though, no fancy stitches. Or go with a slightly newer machine if the different type stitches are important to you. These machines are generally very easy to personally maintain as well since a local dealer is an issue for you. You can probably find older higher end machines, such as Bernina's or others, there as well.

I live in the sticks too. I had to drive an hour to the nearest dealer and I think any other dealer is even further away. If you want a machine like a Janome, they sell them online at brubaker sewing. They have great customer service too.

Most entry level brothers are good beginner machines. I love all mine. You can upgrade if you decide you really like machine sewing

I love the Brother machines. Walmart sells them. I have one in use for the past 8 years, has so many stitches that i've never used. I do have 3 other Brothers and swear by them. I also have 3 or 4 singers and 14 or 15 Japanese machines that only do straight and zig zag stitches. I use them all, but for a newbie, I do think the Brother would be a good machine to start with.

Thank you all so much for your input. There were some brand names mentioned that I had never heard of - so I will have to do some research. Good food for thought here

I have this machine and am very satisfied with it. I do like the decorative stitches and use them often on my quilts. It would be difficult to quilt a large quilt with it, but I have quilted large throws and baby quilts without much problem. Have only had mine a few months, so I don't know if it will last as long as my old kenmore (now 40 years old), but I have a Brother embroidery machine that is still going strong after 3 years.