This is excellent advice... keep a look into the thrift stores .. some of them will even keep a book and call you when something comes in you're looking for.. also, check your dealer.. if you think about all the fancy stitches that are on the newer machines that we don't or seldom use... a straight stitch with maybe a zizzaz is all you really need. Nothing fancy...
I have a couple of Janome's and they can't be beat... I have taken two classes and both of the teacher's used Janome's..
You really don't need to spend much money... wished I knew this long ago..
Elna's are excellent machines...especially the older one's.