I started out with a $99 Singer that my DH bought for me the year we got engaged. I used it for 20 years and I can tell you that thousands of yards of fabric went through that machine as I made most of the cloths for our 4 kids and myself. That is to say nothing of the quilts. When I first upgraded, I got another Singer and I was sorely disappointed in it. Then I bought a used Viking Fresia 415. It was only a year old and I got it for $500. It is the greatest machine. It is easy to use and sews like a dream. Very quiet and smooth running. If and when I upgrade again it will be to another Viking. I got mine at my lqs who is also a Viking dealer. Maybe you could check out some of the dealers in your area. All of the used machines that she sells are trade ins on an upgrade and are gone over with a fine toothed comb before she resells them.