The first year I went to QBL in the 80s I had to rent a machine from Diana Marshall of Gloversville. I had an old Kenmore at home - way too heavy to carry.
I fell in love with the Bernina 1030 and bought it from her at a good discount when the week was done. It is still my quilt room workhorse, and I still love her.
I also have a Jem Platinum for workshops, And, a Jem Gold that I leave at my son's home to sew there when I visit.
All three are good machines.
If I ever needed to buy a new workhorse - it would again be a Bernina.