I have had a TOL Bernina and now own a Kenmore. The nice thing about a company like Bernina is you can start low and upgrade. The nice thing on Kenmore you can buy high at a low price. I have less trouble with my Kenmore but it is a sewing only machine not a duel machine. Kenmore last. With the Bernina you get free classes at many stores and service to a certain time.
I sold my Bernina years ago for it was way more than I needed and many other things were included in the reason. I just bought my Kenmore because one I could afford it and it had just enough to grown on without being too much. Also there was no close bernina store.
What I would suggest is get on the manufacture website to see who sell near you. Bernina, Janome, Elna, Viking,Singer ect all have site that will show you local dealer. Then you can go to the store and test run the machines. One thing to remember the store you buy from is just as important as the sewing machine.