My first machine was a clone. You get a lot of machine for your money with them. I got lucky. I had absolutely NO idea what I was looking at when I bought mine, but got I a good one. I would recommend it as a first machine every time. Easy maintenance, very forgiving, needles and such are standard stuff, and easy to use.
One thing though. A proper belt is important. The "O"-Ring type are ok temporarily, but they can wear out the bearings in the motor if used long term. Keep them as spares, just in case, but for $10 a good (black V-Belt, not orange) belt will last you a decade. So, that is only a dollar a year. Splurge!
~Grant~
Thanks for reposting this here Miriam.