check around to see if there are any dealers within a reasonable drive of where you live. they often have unadvertised specials on floor models and traded-in machines.
even if you eventually settle on the one you're looking at now, it'll help to find a local (or not-too-distant) qualified repair shop.
you might also want to check out these machines. there's a shark for less than $100 that has more features and a bigger work area. i've never used a shark but a friend of mine just loves the one she's had for more than 3 years.
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...html?count=120