I don't know about where you are ... but down here there are LQS' with used sewing machines for sale at reasonable prices. The previous owners bought newer models and traded up.
I have an older Necchi and it is a workhorse and I still use it for upholstery.
Also, some churches have members more than willing to help you out with a sewing machine. Your local quilt guilds would be another source.
Me: I would avoid the Walmart/Target/KMart machines like the plague. Know of folk who have bought the lemons of sewing machines there ... in that the machines are consistent in quality.
ali