My DH and I both had relatively inexpensive Brother machines we bought from WalMart, paid less than $100, and they lasted about 3 years of very regular quilt sewing. We bought one for our grandaughter, too, and she is still using it. I finally bought another Brother, little more money, about $160, then passed that one on to DH, and I bought another Brother for $195 at WalMart, with about 80 special stitches and letters. You can get sturdy, inexpensive machines that will last. You can also buy a vintage machine in good condition that will last probably longer than the newer models. It's personal taste, and has a lot to do with your budget.