I've had a Sears Kenmore for 22 years, a Janome MC3500 for 8 years, and a Babylock Esante for 4 years, and I love them all. I have had good experiences with them all and (knock wood) not had any problems, other than my own oopsies.
I suggest you go to a dealer and sit and sew for awhile. I sat at the Babylock dealer's for 4 hours before I decided to purchase it, but I usually have a panic attack if I want to spend over $50. Luckily I have overcome that with fabric, lol.
Good luck!