I also got a Brother from Costo which was their model of the CS6001i for my daughters Birthday in 2011. Nice little machine for a beginner. I just got myself a HV Topaz for $2000, which is a bit high, but not anywhere's near the high end of $10,000. Like everyone said, figure how much you want to spend and test as many as possible. Also, sewing machine & vacuum repairs places have used machines pretty reasonable.