If your intention is to see if you'd like longarming, I think your best bet would be to first do some longarming on a machine that is rented out by the hour, if there is one close enough to you. That way, you wouldn't be spending so much money to get your feel for longarming. Then, if you decide to proceed, I'd get the best you can afford, which usually means getting a used machine (to get the most bang for your buck). JMHO, of course. Good luck to you!