I would look into a Janome at a dealer's shop if you have one near you. I love my 3050. I think it sells for about $425. They've come out with another one that is lighter with a nice extension table, too, that one of my sewing friends raves about. This one is around $500 in my area. I did get a straight stitch plate for my 3050 and it seems to have helped the quality of my stitches. (Just have to remember to switch it before I try to zig zag). I wouldn't discount getting a machine with some fancy stitches. I just recently started to use mine and I've had my machine for about 7 years. My quilt guild members are all Janome lovers, just about, but we have a fabulous dealer that treats us right.
Good luck!