Before you buy, think about what you want to do with it - piecing-type quilting or using embroidery features. If plain piecing-type then you have a lot of options. I do my piecing on a 14-year-old Bernina 140 Patchwork or a Bernina 230. These are basic Berninas. When I do the quilting I use the 140 because it has a 9" throat. So, if piecing is what you are looking for and not "bells and whistles", check out used machines. Whatever you get, make sure you clean and oil it before you start any project. Practice on scraps to get used to the tension and get comfortable with it. I also get mine professionally cleaned once a year. That's expensive, yes, but I have never had anything break on these machines. Also, when free-motion quilting many of your problems may not be related to the machine but your surroundings. My machine sits down into a sewing table. When I free-motion quilt I pull my table into the middle of my sewng room, put a folding table at the back and another at the left side. That means all of my quilt is pretty level with the throat plate and I can move the quilt easily. Less stress on the sewing machine means good stitches. Good luck!