Generally only the high end machines have the most desirable features. I LOVE the built in walking foot and use it a LOT. I love the thread cutter. It saves so much thread and time and you don't get hairy thread covered projects and clothing. I actually use my embroidery stitches, so the more the merrier. I have an older Pfaff and a newer Babylock sewing and embroidery machine and I don't realize how much I appreciate some of these features till I take a smaller machine to class with none of these features and I'm glad to get home to my good ones! However, you can save a lot by buying a used machine so you don't have to take a second mortgage on your house to pay for it.

My sister bought a higher priced Janome about ayear and a half ago and gave me her tired Singer. Now she asked if I use it much and if she could borrow or have it back because her Janome already died (she needs to use Singer as a backup). That Athena 2000 has been through a lot (and was well worth the $$ spend in the 70's).

I don't know about all brands of machines, but I've owned Singer machines and a Janome.... And then I bought my first Bernina..a 153 QE.....that did it for me. I still have it and won't part with it. Since then I've bought a Bernina 440 QEE and a 530 as well as a Bernina Serger. I love these machines and believe me they area workhorses. They never cause any problems for me. My advice would be to go to a Bernina Store and try some of their machines out. I think you'll find that they are worth the money.... at least they are to me.

I have a Singer Quantum XL 1000 that I paid $2600 some 15 years ago..... I LOVE this machine. Has 3 hoops for embroidery, finger touch go ( no foot pedal) I use this machine EVERY day.....I don't know what I would do if something happened to this machine. needle threader, many patterns for embroidery. I could go on and on......

It's sort of like buying a car. The more expensive ones are quieter, smoother and may require less maintenance. Can you get from point A to point B in a beater? Sure. Can you make a quilt with a machine that sounds like tank and rattles the table? Sure. But, decide what you want, test drive some machines, and I'm sure you'll find the right one for you .

Know thyself is the best place to start as has been pointed out. I only piece tops for Project Linus and I don't have close access to classes on all the new bells and whistles that newer machines have. Your location relevant to a good dealer or service person is a major issue, IMHO. So, first question, what features will you use? Then, keep it simple.
Even though I love my 20 year old Bernina, I will never purchase another electronic machine, especially Bernina. Because the Bernina company is proprietary and (I have been told) has changed hands, I have to have an "authorized" dealer and even then some electronic boards/parts cannot be replaced. We have to travel out of the swamp for two hours just to find such an authorized person and, even then, some parts for my Bernina can no longer be found. So your location relevant to your dealer is a consideration. So, I am very happy and very familiar with my Bernina that has a circuit board that is failing! I am old enough that I don't want to buy a "new" machine to learn as this one does what I want it to do but those days are numbered. I am moving backward to the old mechanical machines and have been thrilled with using them as backup. I have my MIL's old Singer clone which is heavy as lead but the stitch can not be matched. I also just bought a "rose case" Kenmore to travel with and it is amazing. BUT these are simple machines and do only basic things. Still, they do all I need and more. And, I have the satisfaction of sewing green on these older machines. So when my Bernina finally dies, I am still able to do what I need/want to do. My money will go to fabric.

I only paid $200.00 for my machine since I haven't used it that much (and just getting back into sewing) BUT and that's a big one, make sure they can repair or deal with locally. Even though mine was under warranty they had to send it away (6 weeks and another $250. later) I had my neighbor who sews occasionally look at it. She took it apart and found a piece of thread tiny 1/16" caught way down under the feed dog control. Took it out and works great. The operator not so much. LOL!

First decide what you want the machine to do. Zigzag? dec. stitches? Thread cutter. Make a list. Then find a machine that will fit the bill. What will you do most? Piece? sew on knits? If you will only piece quilts and want to do FMQ then i suggest a Juki 980. Love my machine. No computer to go bad. Only straight stitch at 1500 rpms. Has a bigger throat. Only you can decide the features you NEED.

I think the dealer is the most important part of your decision ---one with a good repair department---[hopefully you won't need it much]--- and a sales staff that will help you and teach you how to use to use your new baby---I just bought a new Brother 450Q and I love it---$1500---third machine from this dealer ---- a Pfaff [that died]--- this one and a Brother serger