I also have a brother... mine is the xr9000. I bought it refurbished on Overstock and paid a grant total of $170, which included a 2 year replacement warranty and shipping. It is great for piecing and have FMQ two small baby quilts (the one on the left being one of them). It has started to get a little angry when I use a 100% cotton thread on it recently, but considering what I have spent on it it does pretty well. I did have a run in a few weeks ago (you can read about it on my blog) but it seemed to resolve itself. I agree that cheap is cheap, but sometimes cheap is the only option. This machine handles well enough and has 80 stitches plus basic block letter embroidering.
http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/brot...googleshopping