I love my Brother machines , I have 3 different types and all work great. All were bought from Walmarts and i wouldnt trade them for anything.

I have several brothers all but 2 have been bought at yard sales or thrift shops, I personally love them. I had one that I paid $20 for and used it for 7 years to mend bluejeans, replace sippers on it and never had any problems. I now use it for free motion quilting and its still going strong. All ive ever had sone is a good home cleaning on a regular basis. I dont think you can kill one if you tried.

If you get a good used Bernina that is not an embroidery machine, you won't be sorry. I have 2 of them and an Ellegante Babylock with upgrades that I love. The Activas or the Bernettes are very fine sewing machines. Babylock has the A Series machines that sew nicely. Very affordable.