Any of the older machines that have all metal parts are really pretty good machines. My family has an assortment of pre- 1965 machines , Kenmore, Singer , White, Viking, Bernina all are still running , many can be purchased for under $50.00 . Go to a local Sew and Vac they typically have a good amount of trade in's and will usually give you some kind of warrenty. It surprising how many of the older machines are just work horses and will just run for seemingly forever. When it comes down to it most of our sewing is just a straight stitch.