You might find a working but cosmetically challenged FW to start. Then sell it when you've got a prettier one (one dealer even allows you to trade in/up). I just got a Brother HS 2000 70 stitch for my kids for $249. Sewed out samples of every stitch and buttonhole and sewed through 5 layers of denim last night. Wanted to be sure it was working well before the return window was up. Sewed through 8 layers of denim in store during the demo. VERY lightweight, but didn't move, even at high speeds. 20 sec buttonholes quite decent. Brother has several models for $200 or less that get good reviews on Pattern Review.