I have a Bernina 830 that I bought 40 years ago and paid around $2000. It was the largest purchase I ever considered at the time. 20 auto stitches. all metal gears. I now realize that I want to take classes to learn to use the different feet.Self-taught, never took a class. I take it to the authorized dealer for oil and cleaning every so often. Thankfully, I inherited the same model to use while mine is away. It's a workhorse. I do want to learn to free quilt fancy designs, but for now, I stitch in ditches.
The large free quilting machines look inviting, but intimidating...Someday.