My sister bought her Brother machine through Costco many years ago and she is still using it. I did giver her a FW a few years ago which she uses as a traveling machine. I know several people that have the Brother machines bought at Walmart and are very happy with them. For someone that doesn't know if they are even going to like to sew I would hesitate to buy an expensive machine.
You could also invest in an old Singer that has been refurbished - they are heavy and have a nice stitch.