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.