Go to a local shop and check them out. If you get a new one, make sure you can get service and repair locally. If you get a new one, I would probably go with a little more expensive machine, not Singer or Brother. They are light weight and will not hold up as well as the quality ones, Bernina, Pfaff, Babylock or Janome would be my choice. I have Bernina and Pfaff, really love both, but have moved to a location where I must take them 3 hours away to get serviced and it is very inconvenient because it usually takes 2 trips because I must leave them. Just my opinion.