Can I ask a question? Is she going to to using it for piecing a quilt top then hand quilting it? Or is she going to use it for piecing the quilt top and then machine quilting with the new sewing machine?
If it is just for piecing you can get some nice machines in your price range. One that comes to mind is the Janome Magnolia. Just do a google search. If she is also going to quilt with it maybe someone here on the board can suggest one for you. Most of all, your wife should go and test drive the machine before purchasing.
Kanoelani