Keep in mind that you don't necessarily HAVE to purchase a brand-new machine. I own 7 machines, and only 1 was brand spanking new. I bought a Singer 15-91 in a cabinet at a garage sale for $35. I bought a Brother 1500 with a frame from an acquaintance for $400. I bought a Pfaff used from a dealer. Husband bought me another Brother, a re-conditioned machine from Overstock. I bought a Janome 1600 from a quilting friend who was upgrading. I could go on but you get my point. All of these machines work beautifully.