I have a cheapier Brother I paid less than $200 for 10 years ago when I began quilting that I keep for a back up. It just didn't hold up to the amount of sewing it did on it and was in the shop at least once a year for repairs. That's when I bought a Pfaff Quilt Expersion that is great and I use for sewing and quilting. I also have a white Featherweight built in 1963 that I just began using again, it does sew beautifully but it's kind of slow so I might be selling it.
I could kick byself because I had picked up an old Kenmore at a gargae sale for $25, was a little loud but ran nicely. I didn't have room for it so I sold it to a guild member for what I paid for it. Those old Kenmores and Singers don't have anything fancy on them but they are workshorses.