One thing I won't tell you to do, is to purchase this or that machine. what works for me might not for you.
I tell you a couple of thoughts and you can go from there. Number One PURCHASE from a DEALER, their support is invaluable. If you need service you are going to have to go there anyway, why not start there. It's a relationship worth building.
What are YOUR needs, do you want a straight stitch only machine or do you want a couple of other stitches thrown in, maybe a blanket stitch so you can applique, or a few others so you can do some thread painting. Gather up a handful of material that you will use and head on down to the dealer, find a machine you like and ride it hard and put it up wet. See what it will do for you under all conditions.
I have no idea what your budget is, but consider this you had your last machine for 10 years, cost you what $300 ten years ago, that's $30 bucks a year not a bad investment. Don't be afraid to spend a little more on a quality machine, it will pay for itself down the road.