I think a brother PQ1500s wouls suit your needs since you want it mostly for FMQ

Well, I made the jump! I ordered a machine on amazon.com, and I should have it by Friday! Here is what I went with:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

If you just want a basic, inexpensive machine, go with vintage. They will last longer than a cheap Singer from wally world. And vintage is much better suited for machine quilting. You should be able to find one for less than $50. Check yard sales, Craig's list, estate sales.

When looking for a new machine I was told to buy the best I could afford!

I have an older Brother PC-8500 that I love, and a Brother 9000 that I bought as a back up and I love them both. I think you will really like the one you purchased.

For anyone looking for a used machine, I would definitely check to be sure that parts are still available for any electric/computerized machine before buying. Computer parts are no longer available for the 8500, so once it's dead I'm sunk. Most people don't think about that when buying an older computerized machine ...

Even though I am a die hard Singer fan.......I just got a new Janome and I have fallen in love.....just saying

I agree with Jo ford. I have purchased two machines on Craigslist and both have been excellent. One was a 15-91 and the other is a babylock.

Joanne

If you are going to quilt on the machine, the larger the throat the easier it is. That would be my first concern. I did a queen on my Babylock, 7 inch throat. I then bought a Janome with an 11 inch throat, what a difference. So think about it before you buy. Maybe a used one would be the way to go.

I have this particular Singer machine model and really enjoy it. It quilts just fine, never had an issue with it at all. I would love to own a Janome some day but until then I will continue to use my Singer.

Check out the top of the line USED machines. You will progress rapidly once you start using a machine and see how much it adds to your productivity and you will want more features. With new machines, the cheaper ones have a lot of plastic parts and they don't wear for a long time, sometimes the tension is a nightmare, and they can make for disappointing sewing if they have to make frequent trips to the shop. Make sure you get a manual with any used machine, if there isn't one with the machine when you purchase it they are available on line. Go to a place that lets you try out machines and spend some time trying them out to see what features you like, don't buy the first one you see and hope for the best. If you have a friend who has several machines ask to try them out and have her/him show you what features they use most and tell you how they use them. Good luck and happy sewing!