I would buy a good old Kenmore easily, but they aren't hard to find. Keep searching Craigslist; I'm sure one will come up for at least half the price. Remember you will need it cleaned at the very least, and if you don't do it yourself, you'll have to pay someone to do it. I would try to find one that someone just wants to get out of their basement. Here in Maryland I've seen Kenmores from $25 to $150. I think TX and MD markets are similar, from what I've seen. Bottom line, whatever machine you're looking to buy, ask yourself if it's worth it to YOU, and figure in $100 for a service fee from your sewing machine shop. Make SURE it has a manual or that you can find one online BEFORE you buy.