My first machine I purchased was a Singer purchased in the 80's. It still works and #2 daughter has the machine. I replaced it several years ago with a Bernina. As everyone has stated, try out machines at various dealers. Check out the reputation of the dealer. Listen to customers when you are in the shop. After finding a brand of machine and dealer then ask about used machines. They take trade-ins just like car dealers. Just make sure its the machine you like, not what everyone else likes or what the dealer wants to sell. Good luck.
mltquilt