By "minimal array of stitches" do you mean you need ONLY straight stitch, straight stitch AND zig-zag, or both of those along with a few other decorative stitches??
If you only need SS and ZZ then I highly recommend one of the many vintage machines and $300 will get you a good working machine WITH a cabinet.
SS & ZZ only - there is a wide array of Singer's that make a beautiful stitch, are easy to operate, and easy to clean and repair by yourself. These machines have been going since they were manufactured and will KEEP going for decades yet to come if you take care of it.
The next era of vintage machines have Cams that can make a limited number of decorative stitches, button holes - etc. You have to be a little more careful choosing one of these machines to make sure you are getting a good one with metal gears as opposed to plastic gears.
Visit the Vintage section here on QB.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...thusiasts-f22/