The cheap Brother's aren't bad, but if you have Costco the one they sell for somewhere between $150-300 (depending on the year) is usually a really good buy and still in the cheap category.
My modern Bernina 820 decided it wanted to go to the shop towards the end of last year. It sews lovely for an inch and gives me an error screen. I push it and we go for about another inch. Yes, I've done every reset and cleaning possible at home except take the front off.
So then I pulled out my trusty heavy vintage machine that is older than me (I was born in 1960) and that I've used for about 30 years. Dropped the foot pedal and something broke inside. Need to have the hubby look and see if he can take the foot apart.
So I've been sewing on a very low end Brother for the last couple of months. I bought it in the box at the thrift store for $20, I think maybe because the bobbin winder doesn't work -- bought a side winder for another $20. But it is so low end I can't even choose a stitch length, just "longer" or "shorter". Still working beats non working! I've been very pleased with the accuracy of their quilter's foot, I sew from both the left/right sides and the front/back 1/4" markings help me with my miters and such. Took a bit to adjust to the feel of the different machine but it's doing everything I've been asking for piecing wise. Not doing any quilting with this one because the biggest downfall for me is it is so light and wants to move around, a little sticky carpet mat/vinyl covered shelf liner helps a lot.