I have purchased 3 Kenmore machines beginning in 1965. All 3 were workhorses! All 3 never required repair! All 3 still in use! Guess you know what my answer is!!

Love my Singers! Why not grab one from Craig's list, Walmart or Costco?

Really, for piecing the inexpensive ones are just fine. You just need it to sew a straight line.
Test any used machine before buying. My cheap brother machine got out of whack (my fault completely) and cost me $70 to readjust.
But it works great now.

Why waste good money?

How about finding a good brand used machine someone traded in? Would get you through and give you both a decent machine backup. Not saying anything about Kenmore or Singer new machines because I have never bought one. I do have a old Singer Stylus I bought brand new in 1978 and I use it for classes and to take in the motorhome.

The new singers are great, I know several people who have ken mores and love them...

I have 3 singer and a Pfaff, the singers are from 10-15 years old and going strong. You can sometimes pick up one at a yard sale or estate sale. The older ones work better but they are heavy to lift. Had a Viking cheapy and it never worked right. FYI

I have had 3 bottom of the line Vikings and a moderately priced Janome - over rated - my Singer 401 or 403 is a better machine.