Is there somewhere where you can get maintenance on your old machine? Might be worth it.
If you are only thinking of piecing ... then instead of cheap go for a used machine or a featherweight. Cheap is as cheap is.
If you don't mind time payments then you can go look at what is new on the market. Pfaff, Viking, Janome, and Bernina all have low end machines that are workhorses.
Good luck in your search.
ali