i look at newer sewing machines sometimes. i sew on a janome L352. it's a basic warhorse machine but when i was in the shop the other day, i saw one listed for $250. pretty good for a bottom of the line 25 year old machine! other people must be having the same love affair with it that i am.
we would need more detailed descriptions of your problems to really help. sometimes though it really is the machine that's not working properly. does the shop you bought it at offer lessons? maybe an hour or two with a list of problems you're having, accompanied by a good tech teacher would really be worth the $40?
aileen