I use a Brother CS-80 that I bought oh, about 3-4 years ago. I paid a bit under $200. It has everything needed to get quilting.
It has the needle stop button, auto sew button, auto threader, drop in bobbin, about 80 stitches, a throat deep enough to handle a queen size quilt. It came with all of the necessary feet, including walking foot, 1/4" foot and quilting foot.
This machine is used every day for at least an hour per day and oftentimes 4-6 hours at a time. It could definitely qualify as a "workhorse"
I'm sure there are many other quality machines out there, but I have to say for under $200 (brand new), this Brother was a definite bargain!