If you're going to machine quilt on this new machine, get the biggest throat space you can afford. I'm partial to Brothers. I have a Brother Nouvelle 1500s and out of 7 machines, it's my favorite. You will want to make a list of things you HAVE to have when you shop around - for instance, does it have an auto thread cutter? Do you want decorative stitches or will a straight-stitch only machine work for you? Knee lift? Needle up option? Extension table?
Good luck and keep asking questions!
