I got a Janome 8077 1 1/2 yr ago at Hancock fabric for 250. they still sell them and I LOVE IT!! Has needle up down and the blanket stitch for applique. Really easy and a good beginner or advanced user machine. Would do it all over agin.
I also have a Joanome 1600 p-QC. LOVE IT! My favorite features are needle down, thread cutter, and it will not sew if you forget to put the foot down. I also use the knee lifter ALL the time.