You do not have to have a 301 or a FW to have a good machine. Try a Japanese 15 - fantastic machine and usually pretty inexpensive. Too bad you don't live around here... Look at the link:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html that way you will have some idea what to look for. Then if you find one we have info how to clean one up and we can answer questions, help find manuals and cheer for you.