Hi Ruth...excellent question. I've been sewing for 46 years. My first machine was a 1949 Necchi. Superb machine. Second machine was a 1985 Singer..very good machine. Third machine is a Pfaff..also excellent machine.
Lots of folks have told me they would love to sew if their machine just worked. I ask about their machine and it almost always turns out they or their mom or sister got the machine at some discount store or department store..the $199 to $349 kind. Bottom line; cheap machines aren't worth it.
If your aim is to just run up a hem now and then, or make a pair of curtains...it's ok. But even half-way serious sewing needs a good machine.
So don't skimp...it's a waste of money.