Start looking on Craigs list...
When I first started sewing, I got an inexpensive Brother and as I became more experianced I got a Viking Quilt machine and then I became interested in emb. and bought the 8500D by Brother.
I eventually had to sell one of my machines and I sold the Viking...because I liked to be able to emb as well...
I finally got the Brother 4500Duetta this last May and I love it.
It is more than I want, as was the 8500D when I bought it, but I have grown into and out of some machines that I owned...I am growing into this 4500D. As well as keeping my 8500D for piecing and if I want to, emb 2 projects at once...
To me, it is better to purchase a bit more than to buy twice...buy one to make you reach a bit more and grow into...
Just my 2stitches...
K