I have a large throat machine and it was not cheap. I only wish that I had gotten the even more expensive model with embroidery. You can embroidery designs on your quilt samdwich that way.
For a beginner machine I recommend a Brother with all the quilting attachments and table. They are very cheap, mine was only 129 dollars and it is a work horse. A great backup machnine when the expensive one is in for service. Also the expensive machine is computerized and the Brother is not, that is also nice to have for a backup machine when you finally can afford a more expensive machine with all the bells and whistles.