I would go with a used trade in....and go from there....do you have a local shop to go to...ask questions, ask questions....and yes need and want ARE two different things. I have a friend that has spent a small fortune on sewing machines, every year getting the newest one out.....with all the additional bells and whistles....and NO she does not use them, and yes all she does is sew forward and back.......and I don't think she is any happier than I am .....with my older machine....