My first machine was a Kenmore i bought at Sears 25-30 years ago, I love it. It has never had any problems, or been in for repair. I had a new Kenmore that was great but I didn't love it as much, even though it did more. My baby lock, a brand new machine, has been in for repair and needs to go again. urgh.
My first quilt class was at a store that sold Janome. They insulted my old kenmore to no end, wanting me to buy a Janome. They even told me I should leave the pins in and sew over them, something I never do with my machines. I was so upset with t he class and how they put down my little workhorse machine.