There's a nice Kenmore that goes on sale for around $179-ish. Regularly $249.99. Many reviews online.

Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine - 90 Stitch Functions, Built-in 1-Step Buttonhole
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...G3#reviewsWrap

Somewhere online is a demonstration video created by a regular gal. I know I saw it on the board months ago but can't find it. Not on youtube.

Hope you find something you like!

I have a Brother that I bought from Wal-Mart. Am extremely pleased with it. Have had no problems whatsoever.

When my good machine just cost to much to repair, I purchased the Brother you are thinking about. For the price I don't think you can bet it. I used my for almost a year before I invested in a BabyLock. The Brother worked just fine for me. It is now my travel and back-up sewing machine.
Last week I had 6 11 year old girls learning to sew on it. It survived just fine.

Thanks for the help. You all gave me several other options to now consider.

Mimi Baby Yow is that the machine that you bought?

And for those of you that have bought a machine second hand how much issues did you have? I really don't want like any hassle at all. At this point in my life I would almost rather buy a cheaper machine brand new and have it work for a year or two then to buy a used great machine that I would have to take in and have it serviced and what not. Thanks for all the input. I truly value it all.

I had a low-end Brother and passed it on to a friend who used to sew on industrial machines. She says she loves it.

I have a similar model and a couple of guild members have the Cs6000i mentioned. They make great machines to carry to classes and I am sure would be wonderful as primary machines. One was purchased at Wal-Mart that I know of and I bought mine through ebay for a great price - new. Probably not supposed to mention a dealer by name but will anyway - Ken's Sewing Center in Muscle Shoals, AL is a great dealer and can often make you a deal on a new machine at a great price because they are extremely high volue. Their website is: kensewingcenter.com. Speak to Kevin or Jeremy. They are great. I have been doing business with them for 35 years.

Although you've received great advice. Mine would be go with what you are most comfortable with as you are the one paying for and using the machine. Remember you can take it home with you and try it out from Wal Mart and if you're not happy you can take it back.

You want to watch out for those macines at Wal Mart, Target, etc. The internal parts are plastic and wear out fast. If you only sew occasionally they would be fine, but for quilting I would suggest you look for a used machine that has been reconditioned. Check your local dealers, they often have trade-ins, and can help you find one in your price range and needs. A friend used to work at the WalMart fabric dept. and told me she had several people bring their machines back because they broke the first or 2nd time they were used.

the young people in my world all own brother machines from walmart, the least expensive $89 the most expensive $139...there are 5 of them, and they have all held up well, with lots of different kinds of sewing done on them, they are user friendly, easy to maintain and work very well. 2 of them even had speed control so i could slow them down for the younger kids to use.
I always recommend an inexpensive brother machine for a new 'seamstress' it s a good beginner machine and will hold up for a few years until you are ready to upgrade, or if you decide after some time you no longer want to sew you are not out alot and still have it for mending ect.
i do recommend a new inexpensive machine; you can study the book and learn it without dealing with someone else's broke in machine.

Get the best Kenmore you can get for your money...you won't be sorry.