Lots of good advice already...Shopping for a new machine can be overwhelming but also much fun. For service and "issues" you may want to have a dealer close by, so first I would check out the dealers in your area and see what they offer. Closer is better for service, training, problems. Go see them, see what they have to offer and what deals they may have going now. Also, you may find a trade in deal that will get you more machine for less money.
But first, make a list of things you feel you simply must have: needle threader, bigger throat, needle down, fancy stitches, etc. Another thing to do is go online to the manufacturers sites and see what is available. You can do comparisons on what each machine has and what you need and want. Then when you identify the machine you think you want....go test drive it.
Finally, take your time, your budget of $1k will get you a very nice machine with lots of features that will last a long long time.
Good luck and enjoy the process.
Murphy
PS I am very partial to Janome machines. I own the 3160, 6600, and the 15000.