1000 should be able to get you a nice solid machine they have plenty of nice high end juki, brother, babylocks, janomes, etc in that price range. Just write down all your must have features in a machine, and ask them to show you models in that price range. I know that the juki exceed f-600 should be in your price range and the jukis should be able to handle thick seams and runs about 900, some straight stitch only machines are also in your price range like the brother PQ1500S if you don't need one for decorative stitching that is more heavy duty, but again you need to really sit down and figure out what you want in a machine and do your research because that person is just trying to get money out of you. I paid 1800 for mine and I love my machine and you definitely don't need 4000 dollars