If I were looking for a new machine, my must haves would be needle threader, needle up/down, variable speed control, knee lifter for presser foot, a few fancy stitches and a local dealer. Decide what your must haves are, try some machine out at your local dealer and get the best you can with in your budget.
I have 2 Janomes and a Pfaff Passport. They all work well, but I prefer the Janomes for stitching at home. The Passport is great for taking to classes and retreats.