I have a "cheap" Brother machine purchased 4 years ago. It just keeps working and working. It's very reliable, but, I confess, I just do piecing on it. At the time I bought it, it was $89, so I bought it telling myself that if it turned out I liked sewing again (30 years since last stitch was sewn), I'd get myself a better machine. 4 years later, I can't bring myself to get a better machine!
A machine like this could tide you over while you search for the machine of your dreams.
Good luck!