I started out with a cheap Brother machine. It is now my backup machine. One thing about Brother machines is they are good machines and reasonable.
I now have a Viking Sapphire computer machine. I love it. It has a 10 in throat and that has become a must have.
Love the needle down function and that is now a must have also. My quilting has improved so much by having a fancy machine.
Do lots of research before investing in an expensive machine.
Now Im wanting an embroidery machine, it never ends.