I bought an older Bernina model 1020 a few years ago and I absolutely love it! Its a work horse no question. I bought a new 1/4" foot for it and it's my primary piecing machine currently. I also have a Janome 11000 and a Viking Designer II as well as a Singer Featherweight which I use for classes. I have a Singer 99 that I love too but it's mostly idle..and I have a green awesome Kenmore that is so sweet I just can't part with it. Have a full set of cams that go with it as well. It was made in late '60's. Both of the latter have their own cabinets. Have a collected a number of Singer Red Eye treadles as well..One has been electrified...I need to find some of them new homes as I'm get crowded out by sewing machine but I love them all!!
The moral of my saga is: don't be afraid to buy her an older used machine..just do your homework and educate yourself about various features.