i bought my Kenmore sewing machine from Sears for under $200.00 i have had it for about 6 years with no problem!!

Janome DC1050 25/5YrWarranty 50Stitch Computer Sewing Machine 1/2"FootLift 3x1StepButtonholes Threader BackTack NeedleUpDown SpeedLimit DropFeed...Was $500. Now $299, no tax, free shipping - Allbrands.com.
Call Brubaker's sewing to see if they have one, or a better slightly used machine for your price range.
Diana

I have a FW and a Janome as a back up.

I have a Janome Sew Mini and I keep it as my back up. It is a cool little machine that works like a champ. I got it for less than $50 at Hancock fabrics. Here's their link: http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome...VVviewprod.htm. It's on sale now for $49.99. Would I want to machine quilt a big quilt, no, but it is a great little sewing machine for piecing. [TABLE]
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I would go vintage with a Singer 301A. It is a great machine and you can even lower the feed dogs and do free motion quilting on it. I have had 4 and have kept one and sold the others to fellow quilters. Every time I am visiting the kids in the city I look for them on Craigslist because I know they are sought after by quilters that know their machines. Another great feature of the machine is the ease of taking care of it yourself. Unless it has a mechanical issue (which mine never has) there is no need to take it to the service man. Very easy to lube, oil, and clean yourself and only takes a few minutes. Ann in TN

The Singer 404 is a very good straight stitch machine and usually pretty inexpensive. They are easy to take care of too.

Just a warning, be careful! Years ago when I had my 1st embroidery machine I realized I needed a back-up for when I had the embroidery unit on, had so much fun with the back-up (bought a used Pfaff) I decided to get a back-up for the back-up, & then a back-up for the back-up for the back-up, and on it went! Kept checking garage sales, estate sales, etc. Love my machines! Yes, as many mentioned the Singer 301 is fantastic, & if you need decorative stitches the inexpensive Brothers are also great.
My group does much charity sewing, various projects, so I always can bring an extra machine for those who don't have a portable, somes we met at my house & several of us can sew, we have fun!

My Daughter has an older version of the Brother with the table extension and she has quilted queen - King sized quilts on it, had it close to 10 yr,s. We got her a Brother 1500s and she is really loving the large harp. Will make quilting those large quilts much easier. She is saving the first brother for a back up. I prefer the newer machines.
Her older Brother has never been in the shop, even for cleaning, sews like a dream.

I bought this machine at Walmart 7 years ago and it is a workhorse. I quilt with it and make heavy repairs. Best of all you don't need a footpedal. Great for me with my knee torn cartlidge(soon to be operated on). I have never been sorry buying this machine. For the $, it sometimes is better than my expensive machines.

I got me a featherweight for that. I got it from e-bay for 350 dollars, and that included a purchase of a soft case, bobbins, needles, quarter inch foot, a spare light bulb, and a new foot peddle. I just love the cute little thing. It is easy to take to retreats and does a lovely straight stitch. It is also fun for my grand daughters to sew on. They love it too.

Go to overstock.com they have great prices on machines, they are furbished but they stand behind them. I have not trouble with mine.

If you want a small portable machine to take to classes, etc. Brother makes several in this price range. Check with a good repair shop/dealer. Sometimes you can get a good refurbished machine that has been traded for a new machine. I love my Featherweight, but it is hard to find one in your price range. They are really in demand, so the price never seems to go down---at least not in this part of the country.

Your first reply suggested a Brother CS6000i. I, too, have that machine as my backup to my Pfaff 7570, and I love it. I've had it about a year and a half now, and really do like it. I bought it online from Ken's Sewing in Muscle Shoals, AL for $125.00 and really love it. I recommend it. I also let my students use it.

I have several machines, but my new machine of choice is a 1948 15-90 that I rescued for $10. I am free motion quilting with it tonight . It sews better than my Elna, which I love, and my featherweights.