I have a Brother XR9000. I have had this machine for 3 years and have sewn with it 4 days a weeks & sometimes more. 3 years ago I paid a little over $200 for it. If I remember correctly I bought it from Amazon, but I'm not sure of that...it was online anyway. It has never given me a problem. Although, I did wear out the automatic needle threader, but have heard that happens a lot with all different types of machines. It does have some nice decorative stitches. I have used them, but not a lot. When using the decorative stitches I mainly use the blanket stitch for appliqué. The biggest fault I have with this machine is the small throat space. Are you wanting a basic straight stitch machine? Or do you want decorative stitches? Good luck & let us know which machine you decide to get.