I would go for an older machine. There are so many beautiful old metal machines out there that are workhorses! Right now, I am fixing up a Sears Stylist 776 that is awesome. Also, a White 999A and an old Sewmor. The Sewmor is a class 15 clone in a cabinet which is really a great machine. Do some research on craigs list and ebay and aske questions about the machines that interest you 9 times out of 10 one of us has one LOL.