wish you lived closer, I have a couple of older machines that are amazing for less than $100! Also look into the Janome Gems Silver. Usually found on ebay now, it is a newer machine, but my what a work horse!
AND get your old machine serviced. It might surprise you! Unless it is the 1970's touch n sew...OY...

I also have a Brother CS6000i machine. I used it to make over 100 denim quilts in the past 3 years, plus other sewing, both clothing and quilting, including Crazy Quilting with velvets and silks.
I thought I broke it. Took it to a Brother dealer who tried to sell me another machine.
When I took a Singerthat I inherited, for service at an old style service center, I mentioned the Brother, I was told "Bring it in. The estimate is free." They fixed my Brother CS6000i for $89. It needed adjustment, that was all. Before you give up on your current machine, try a GOOD Sewing Machine Service Center.
I highly recommend the Brother machine, though.

I also have a Brother CS6000i machine. I used it to make over 100 denim quilts in the past 3 years, plus other sewing, both clothing and quilting, including Crazy Quilting with velvets and silks.
I thought I broke it. Took it to a Brother dealer who tried to sell me another machine.
When I took a Singer that I inherited, for service at an old style service center, I mentioned the Brother. I was told "Bring it in. The estimate is free." They fixed my Brother CS6000i for $89. It needed adjustment, that was all. Before you give up on your current machine, try a GOOD Sewing Machine Service Center.
I highly recommend the Brother machine, though.

I had a Kenmore which was about 15 yr old and needed cleaning and adjustment. LQS started servicing these and selling Janomes-they wanted $98 to service it or would give me $20 as trade in on new Janomes which were on sale. I paid about $49 and got a new machine! It is very basic,but I already have a computerized machine and a serger,so it is used for straight stitching and as back up.

I think students get 20% off at Joanns!

I wouldn't buy a cheap machine, you would just have poor stitching/sewing same as you do now.
Save $$$ until you can buy a good machine. Search for a used, name brand machine.
I suggest Bernina, I have had Berninas for years and haven't had any problems.
I have a 150 QE that I piece with and I love it. I bought it used, about 10 years old.
You should be able to get one reasonable priced and it will last you for years.

I have two thoughts depending on how old your Singer is, if it is a vintage machine or just an older one. Does your feed dogs lower to FMQ? Are you putting the presser foot down to FMQ? Also when adjusting the tension on older non computerized machines the presser foot has to be down to adjust the upper tension. You know if the one you have is worth fixing. I agree with everyone here, there are lots of good machines out there that don't cost an arm and a leg. Good luck and happy Quilting.

I agree on this, I have been using it for everything including FMQ, the throat space isn't large and I wouldn't do a king size quilt on it but its perfect for throw, crib, or twin size and still purrs like a kitten! Can't beat the price!

this is the brother i have that just died. hmmmm... if that is approximately the repair cost, maybe i will get it repaired. i had looked the complaints for this machine up online and several have come to a grinding halt. i wonder what the problem is.

Trad-ins
 

I would look into trade-ins at local stores.....and or on ebay. I personally am very gun-shy of Craigslist because of everything I have heard....How about local Goodwill, Salvation Army and even Humanity stores.....and then find a GOOD local repair person, (worth his weight in solid gold)......I would go with an older Singer or Kenmore (Sears repair) old old companies worth their weight........or an old Palff or how about a solid Bernina......