I have some real reservations about machine models that are "low end" of major brands.
Be careful about those made with plastic parts in China and Taiwan because plastic parts will warp with heat created by heavy machine use-like free motion quilting. What about shopping for a used machine. I agree that you should go to a dealer that has lots of different brands-if you are open to that. I have heard nothing but good things about JUKI if you want a lower price workhorse of a machine. I happen to be a Bernina gal and have loved several over the years. As others have said, don't be in a hurry and do your homework.

One thing you might do is check out the previously loved and open boxes at your local quilt shop. The closest two to me are both having inventory clearance. Big savings. Your money might go farther! I personally am a Viking fan, but the Janome is nice too! Those are the only brands close to me.

I've had a Janome 3160 for about 5 years. I paid $550 at the time. It has been a wonderful machine. I "graduated" to a much larger throat, but still love this one for classes and back-up.

Excellent price! I think the MSRP is $999
sandy

I would not get too hung up on the "decorative stitches"..the basics will be there. BUT I did want the Serpentine stitch!! It is on my 9900 but not on my 3050. Maybe it was not available at the time. My Janome 9700 does not have a serpentine stitch either . $2200 machine at the time.
sandy

Stay away from newer Singers, a couple of our gals at quild bought them and they didn't last much over a year. I have a new Juki TL98, has a larger harp but is straight stitch only and is a workhorse. I thought I wanted a Bernina & bought 2, because, well, just because, & I don't like them at all, they are expensive to service, feet are expensive, complicated to learn, expensive to buy & I just don't use them except to collect dust. My Janome 6600 is my favorite for everything. Bought it as a floor demo & didn't exactly get a deal. Didn't get classes or any perks either. Look for a good used machine of your choice, a lot of ladies, just like the men, want to trade up to a newer model so there are usually a lot of good used machines around. The Juki, Brother, Janome, Bernina are rarely ever used up. Your price range is limiting & you may not get everything you want, but do we ever? lol Good luck. let us know what you decide and what you like and don't like.

I have the Janome 6600. It's wonderful. I purchased mine used from a dealer, but have since seen several used on Craigslist for as low as $725. I've quilted up to a double sized quilt on mine.

I'm not shopping YET for a new one but I noticed here that I don't see any mention of Baby Lock. They must be much more expensive.

Baby Lock was one of the manufacturers that I considered when buying my new machine (the other manufacturers were Janome and Bernina).

In case you don't know, Baby Lock is an American corporation. Brother manufactures the Baby Lock sewing machines. In many cases you can find a twin Baby Lock machine for a Brother machine e.g. Baby Lock Crescendo and Brother Dream Weaver. You will find that the Brother machines cost substantially less than the Baby Lock machines and are the same machine.

I love my 8900. I bought it after going through a Viking Designer 1 and a Pfaff. Definitely, try different machines.