I have been sewing for more than 40 years and have never had a machine that cost more than $200. My old kenmore from the 70's still works well, and right now I have a Brother that I bought off of Amazon for less than $150. I also have a Singer that works well that cost $199 on sale. I prefer the Brother only because it has a needle down option. Both my Singer and Brother have run well for several years with just basic cleaning. I do hope that your wife will not give up something she loves just because she doesn't have the very best. I have spent many happy hours with my machines, and do not feel deprived at all.