So, I think you need to use what we call leaders or spiders. This is where you first start sewing an a folded scrap of fabric before actually sewing on your project.
Also, does your machine have a single hole throat plate? Sometimes using the multistitch throat plate allows your fabric to get 'hung up.'
Don't worry about the cost of the machine as long as it works. Having said that I had bought a very cheap machine at Target years ago and had to keep returning it because of flaws in its sewing. This is why I prefer a good used machine if you can't afford a new machine.