I too work on a limited budget but wanted a good machine. I asked my local Viking dealer to be on the lookout for a good previously loved machine for me. She had three machines for me to try ranging from $150 to $300. I ended up purchasing a Viking Designer 1 for $300. It had been serviced and ready to go and was also able to take a free class on how to use it. The first class was on the basic machine as to what all the buttons and feet are for. The second class was the embroidery part of the machine (I didn't know that it was an embroidery machine until it was being carried out to my car and there was another case that contained the embroidery arm), I was the only one that came to that class so I got a private lesson. So anyway check out your local dealer.