You could try for a used, floor model, or sale-priced Bernina Aurora 440QE for that price. I can't imagine you'd be disappointed. You'd have money to spare or spend on a vintage machine if you got a Babylock Quest Plus, or one of its cousin machines: Janome 6600, Elna 7300, Pfaff Smarter C1100 Pro. The Quest Plus has been on special for $999 because it's going to be replaced/upgraded by the new Serenade. I have both a Quest Plus and a 440 and LOVE them both. I got the 440 used. Ooo, almost forgot the Janome Horizon.