My budget as well was going to be $400, then was told I needed a Janome 1600 series and found a website that sells a new one for $579. Thought "ok, found my machine even if it doesn't sew anything but straight stitches". Then I read some negative reviews, mostly people didn't like that the bobbin was 4" inside the machine and they had to reach in from the side to get the bobbin placed. They made it sound very difficult so that shot that one down. Right now, $600 is pushing it for me, but a used machine would be fine as long as it was in good working order. As for the different stitches, maybe down the road??
Thanks for the responses and I will have to check out the Pfaffs
Jack