I have some experience with the Juki. It's a powerful machine, only does straight stitch. Make sure your wife understands that.
The biggest drawback to this machine is that the bobbin is hard to put in and out and the threading isn't as easy as it could be. I have the brother version of this machine (Juki is better) and advised a friend when buying a machine and she got a Juki. I worked with her for several days getting her up to speed, so I saw the problems she encountered.
http://www.13spools.com/2014/06/a-qu...juki-2010.html
You can't go wrong with the Juki if youre looking for a straight stitch only machine at a reasonable price.
This machine was one of my final two when I bought my Janome 6600. My mechanic who repairs all, recommended the Janome. He was working in a store that sold both. I do have to say the Janome is a very easy machine to use. Easy to thread, isn't fussy about thread (tension), bobbin much easier to access, very very nice for FMQ (free motion quilting). The Juki is much cheaper and has a slightly bigger throat. Bernina much more expensive. You get more bang for your buck with Janome than Bernina.
Many machines will sew leather if you put a leather needle on. My 80s basic singer machine sews leather just fine.
Good luck and have fun! Who knows, you may get the quilting but as well as the leather bug!