Write down the features you want to have. Go to a dealer with pieces of fabric you generally sew on to test machines with your fabric. The fabric strips they use, at the dealer in my town, are so stiffly starched, any machine could sew on them. Try out features that are new to you, they might end up on your list of things you want. I never thought having a scissors feature would be something I use a lot, but I do. Do you want a minimum throat space? A knee lift feature? Adjustable sewing speed? There are many features available now, too many to mention here. Do you want a built in blanket stitch for applique? Some machines have them and others don't. I really feel buying from a dealer is a must and make sure you can get lessons on how to use your machine.