I've been looking at new machines (what an ordeal) and for a beginner with a few options Brother does have a nice one that you can get at Wally World!! I'm not sure of the Model #, but its a project runway and does a little more than go forward and backwards. Go to the www.brother.com and you'll see all their machines for comparison purposes. If you find something there do a search for that model # and see what is the best pricing you can get for it.
One piece of advice, if it is at all possible, find something that you like and then go up a bit. You'll find you'll have something to grow into and not have to replace so soon.
Good Luck!!!