My style of use doesn't require an expensive machine, altho I did spend almost $1,000 on my Juki, and I LOVE it! Guess why? Self threading needle, needle up/down, special box style feed dogs, and the very best part for me... it cuts the thread for me! My next machine was a wonderful old Kenmore that isn't computerized. Honestly, if I'd had the Kenmore first I probably would still have my $1,000 tho.
Forgot to mention that the Kenmore cost me $10 at an estate sale, and is almost new.. a beautiful machine..

Your Singer 201 is still a dream of mine...

Sounds to me like you met a good "salesperson".... not necessarily someone looking out for your best interests! I have never paid $4,000 for a machine and I hope I never have to!

I am still sewing on my Viking Husqvarna 6020 that my husband bought for me in 1969. It is a real workhorse, will sew through anything, even has a low gear for the really tough stuff. It cost about $400 back then and that was a LOT for us as we were expecting our third child and I was a stay at home mom. It is heavy, solid, dependable, has cams with some fancy stitches and I can clean and service it myself. I have seen them on Ebay for much, much less than $1000. It won't cut it's own thread but it is a keeper!

Love those Juki machines, too. Great features on them, and they plow right across the thick stuff..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HUSQVARNA-Vi...item4abbc15d97

Here is an Ebay add for the Viking 6020.

Sneak on over to the Vintage and Antique section of this Board, search around and ask questions. As on the rest of the Board- people love to give help and answer questions. The old machines are great, and there are some folks who have posted tutorials and YouTube videos on servicing and using them. $50- $150 on Craigslist sure beats $1000 for 90% of your sewing if you aren't using the fancy stitches. Some old machines have multiple stitches built in, others use cams. 201's go for $75 - $125 in my area. Singer Rocketeer has lots of stitches. Metal gears are far better than plastic or nylon, and you can learn to do basic service yourself. I am surprised how many folks scrimp and save for a machine costing thousands and only use the straight stitch. Also- I overheard a quilter talking about how the warranty on new machines frequently requires timely annual tune-ups for over $100, or are voided. Yikes! I don't FMQ, but folks rave over the harp size and sturdiness of the 201. Find what works for you and is within your budget. Don't be swayed by someone working on commission. Good luck!

I do not think you are asking too much. I purchased a Juki HZL 300 for $1000 total. I just love this machine. It has everything I need for quilting at this time. I know there are others on here that sew with the Juki and just love it. Remember when you are shopping for a machine, sales people are always going to try and sell the you the more expensive model. Check out the Juki home sewing machines. I do believe you will like what you see.

Judi in Ohio, I'm glad you think so highly of your Juki, but there are plenty of other machines between $3,000-$10,000 that have the power of F-600. I know mine does.

I used to sell Husqvarna Viking machines, they make the Emerald 116 that usually goes for $300-350, its a nice machine that will sew through 8 layers of heavy denim with no groaning, one of my favorite selling points. Its a very smooth machine that sounds like a machine should, not clunky like some new machines.
Older machines from the 1960s and earlier are great and if kept oiled and cleaned will still be sewing when most new machines have died.
I have a 1936 Singer 201 treadle/hand crank that is absolutely wonderful for making quilts from piecing to quilting. Its a fabulous machine, give this old girl a chance and she'll really shine. In the picture you'll see it with the hand crank on it, the treadle belt isn't on the drive wheel under the cabinet so it can be used with the hand crank. I was teaching 2 little girls to sew, they prefer the total control they have using the hand crank; the picture frame magnet is being used for a seam guide.
Sharon

Try the Brother PQ1500s. I have had mine for years and never had to have anything done to it. It is a straight stitch machine only, but it is strong and fast. It is all you will ever need for quilting. My favorite features are the needle up-down and the auto cutter. The cost is $500-$700 most anywhere. I have other more expensive machines, but this is the one I use all the time. Just keep it oiled and change needles every project. Simple to use.