I have several cheap mechanical Brother machines and an embroidery only machine for $300 . All are good machines.
My every day machine is a Viking Sapphire that cost $1100 when I bought it years ago. I love this electronic machine.
No thread cutter but love the needle down and auto foot start and stop feature. I use coats and clarks thread with no problems and Connecting Threads thread with no problems.
I would not buy a cheap electronic machine but my embroidery is electronic and it was cheap. Havent had it but a few months so dont know how well it will last.