When I first started sewing we went to a Janome shop and grabbed a new $500 machine ( it is the 4623LE... they no longer make that model ). I knew nothing about machines. I just picked one that was a price we could live with if sewing became a hobby I wasn't thrilled with. Let me tell you...I ran that thing roughly for 9 years. It did everything I asked it to do and consider that I was completely new to sewing. Those were rough miles! I still have it. I have a machine now that cost 4 times that but the truth is, if it weren't for the bigger harp space and the fancy stitches I'd love the 4623LE just as much. There are some quilt snobs in this world that think if you don't sew on something about the price of a small car then it's junk. Hogwash. There are fine machines in a reasonable price range.
Check out what you have in other major brands at any local businesses and don't be afraid to try talking them down on price. Just like a car, they grossly inflate the tag price.
I wish you all the luck in the world.