I forget many quilters only have one machine! I carry a back up for my take to class/sewday machine.

This is my back up as well as my machine for class. and I love it as well

My backup machine is a 1952 Featherweight. I find that I am now using it daily for piecing. I use my Bernina for machine appliqué and FMQ. I love that Featherweight and the fact that I have been able to make all needed repairs. In the beginning, I did not like the fact that it has to be oiled so often and in so many places; but I have become accustomed to oiling and actually enjoy it now.

can't go wrong with a Brother sewing machine! have loved everyone I've owned.

This was rated best small machine in Consumers Guide

http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewin...W#.UZsHUZVCS0s

Too bad were not closer i bought our school machines! They had 3 dont need them all!! Ones just sitting in my basement in its table!!

I purchased a husquvane viking 100 at a price range you mentioned. I bought it new from create and craft tv site when it was a bank holiday weekend special offer. May bank holiday is coming up keep your eye on the web site and see if any offers .

I'm on to my second Janome (bought new one for more features/portability). I prefer it to my fancier Pfaff.

You don't say what brand you have at the moment, but given the choice, I'd be buying the same brand so your existing feet and bobbins fit :)

I bought an inexpensive Singer machine as a backup. It's been in the repair shop once already. If the gears weren't made of plastic, probably wouldn't have had to take it in.

Our local sewing machine repair offers good used machines (with metal gears)... prices range from $100 up. Rather than pay to get the Singer repaired again I will buy a good older model.

I'm in the vintage Singer school of thought. I love my Viking - has plenty of bells/whistles for me. Have a fw for classes/travel. Have a 99 in a table that I picked up for $35 and an electrified redeye 66 that needs to be refurbed for $50. That one will go into an existing table that I have.