mpeters1200,
All I can say is to visit some dealers as they have good used machines in all tlhe time. Make sure the dealer is reputable. I have had real good luck with Husquvarna machines. They have all levels of machines at all prices. Might go to ebay also and see what they have. Lots of dealers there too. I can't say anything about brother machines I have never had one, but you can buy a cheeper machine and if something goes wrong with it where are you going to get it fixed if it can be fixed. They make throw away machines these days. Isn't it better to save for a better machine and have something, for a long time? Janome is a good brand too. But again get a good dealer that will stand behind their product. tlcqultnut