Well, here's what I do and it's a real money saver, but oh-so-dependable. I use Kenmores. I have two, and at the time I got the second one, I could have bought way up from it but I found that the difference in price just wasn't worth it for what I got.
I discovered that Kenmores are made by Janome. In fact, there are a couple very specialized attachments not available through Kenmore/Sears, but the Janome attachments work perfectly. The models I have are the 385.19030 and the 385.19110 (got the last one 3-4 years ago).
I raised my four kiddos sewing on Kenmores and have never, ever had to have one repaired. I DO take them in every couple of years or so for a good cleaning and tune-up, and they just keep purring along, never giving me an ounce of trouble.
I do EVERYTHING on my machines (the parts/attachments are interchangeable too) -- There are 40 or so decorative and special function stitches and I've used them all. I have sewed up to 6 layers of denim (with the right needle, of course) without a problem. I do machine quilt and do a lot of free motion quilting as well. And I sew lots of fleece and use the overedge foot much like a serger.
The absolute best attachment I ever, ever bought for my machine(s) is a plexiglass extending table ($70). Just about every other attachment was easily under $15-$20 as I recall.
Oh yes, the last machine I bought (with basic attachments) I got for $300. Szzuuch a deal, dahlink!