Originally Posted by Loretta
Ask several machine repairmen which machines are best- they can tell you the ones that are junk and the ones worth having. Then go shopping!
I did this, and
without exception, they named the brand they were selling, and bad-mouthed all others. Sewing machine salesmen are like used car dealers - they live by commissions and will sweet-talk you just as far as you will let them.
I ended up with a Kenmore, on sale for almost a third off, same as Janome which would have cost nearly double. Ask if they match prices, too - in case you can find it cheaper online.