My last two machines were Brothers....and I love them....
DO NOT BE INTIMINATED by your local sewing center, a 'Good one' will make you feel comfortable, if they don't then it is their lose and walk away......You can find a nice, good well priced trade-in at a decent sewing center. Its kinda like a used car where all the bugs have been worked out....I think perhaps the most important thing to you should be if they (sewing center) will include sewing lessons with the price and the service they will provide in the future for that machine.