Have you considered buying a vintage machine? Unless you're after all the bling, a zillion fancy stitches that most won't get used. Thread cutters, knee lifts, etc. I just can't see spending money on those things. Vintage machines (I LOVE my Kenmores!!!!) are much better built, and are like the Energizer bunny, just keep going and going and going.... And you can find them with fancy stitches too. Check out your local thrift shops and spend $10 or $20 (instead of hundreds or even thousands) and see if a vintage might serve you best. If not, you haven't spent much and you can then keep it for backup or donate it to a young sewing enthusiast who hasn't got a machine.