I’m looking for a reliable, budget-friendly sewing machine primarily for quilting (piecing and light free-motion work). My must-haves:

• Good stitch consistency
  
• Decent throat space (at least 7" or more)
  
• Adjustable speed control
  
• Drop feed dogs for FMQ
  

Considering machines like the Brother PQ1500SL (used), Janome 3160QDC, or Juki TL-2010Q (if stretching budget slightly). Any hands-on experience with these—or other hidden gems under $500?

Priorities: Durability > fancy features. Grateful for real-user insights!

Note: I have a blog and considering posting new tutorial on quilting so keep in mind, that machine should perform good in long term. I m ready to pay $100-200 extra as well.

I have had two Juki TL machines. When the 2010 came out with speed control I bought it and gave my TL 98 to a friend. It is the best straight stitch machine I have used and I use to have an older model Brother 1500. I don't know about the newer Brother straight stitch. Babylock has a straight stitch but haven't used that one. I would not buy one for machine quilting without some speed control from slow to fast and auto thread cutter.

My Brother PQ 1500 is great for piecing and FMQ. It has a thread cutter I never use and it doesn't have speed control. But, that doesn't seem to affect my sewing. I have gotten the "feel" for it. Some people put a barrier of sorts up against the foot pedal so they can maintain speed. There are tutorials about that. The Brother is much less expensive than a Juki if price is an issue.

I second the TL 2010. I have the 2200 QVP Mini which is the same machine rebadged with some purple graphics. It's a great machine. I've had mine 6 years and once I got familiar with it, I have had very few problems. I use it mostly for FMQ but I have pieced on it. It has a very nice straight stitch.