I do agree with ncredbird about the older machines, but if you HAVE to have a new machine, I would check out some dealers, that might have higher end trade-ins that normally would be over your budget. I paid $ 990 for my big Elna, I absolutely love it, It has l knee-lift, needle up/down option, auto thread cutter option, comes with several extra feet that other machines make you pay extra for, and a larger than normal throat.