This is a perfect time as the new model lines have been released from Brother. BL models will be in the coming weeks. Check their web sites for information or with a local dealer. They should be getting new stock in their shops soon. As mentioned, check for used ones too.

I just bought myself a Pfaff Passport 3 - for taking out of the house quilting sessions. I like it just fine - it's decently heavy so it doesn't bounce around and I can't push it around but I can still lift it. And it had needle up/down, sews with the touch of a button, and it cuts the thread which is a bit weird. Don't thin I'll ever get used to that. Unfortunately it doesn't have the alphabet included in the embroidery stitches but it does have the serpentine stitch. So I think I can pass my Janome 4800 on to my grand daughter - she's already referring to it as "her" machine.
But for sewing at home... I love my Pfaff 1222.... almost 50 years old and still stitching like a champ!

I agree with Peckish, check with dealers, they may have taken in trade ins for a machine upgrade, that's how I got my Elna Quilters Pro dream.

Have bought multiple machines in my life. Bernina is my final choice and favorite. But all machines need professional care occasionally. I abandoned the Viking brand I had purchased multiple times over the years because of the quality of the service. Ask around with sewing friends, quilt guilds etc to see who they think gives the best service. Good machine doesn’t help if you have no one to fix it, when not if it has a problem because they all will sooner or later.

Bernina 570 QE w/ BSR is right at $3,000. It's got Dual Feed, Jumbo bobbin (holds 70% more thread than a regular bobbin), 8 1/2" throat, you could add embroidery, thread cutter, 12 LED lights, etc.

Everyone runs sales now to get rid of inventory. Ck out offers of "Open Box" sales...

I agree with Peckish - if you want a straight stitch machine for piecing and FMQ the Brother PQ1500 is wonderful. It has a nice high harp. I love mine. Reasonably priced.

I have never bought a brand new machine from a dealer, all my machines I have owned I have bought used, due to much better prices, so something to think about.

Another option I have read an awful lot about on here is the Sparrow line. I do not own one but everyone who has posted about this line seems to comment on the good price and features it offers.

Good luck, new or new to you machines are always exciting.

I have numerous Janome machines. In your price range, the Skyline 7, is great. I love the auto foot lift feature and all other features it has.....If you need a real workhorse, the 6600 is a wonderful machine. Go to a Janome dealer and check our these machines and trade ins......they will be getting a lot of trade ins, since they just came out with the M7, which has a 13.5" harp space! Of course, being the newest with incredible features, it is expensive.

I have/had Bernina, Singer, Brother, Janome, and Pfaff. My favorite and the only one I will buy now is Juki. Perfect for machine quilting and piecing. My take to class machine, decorative stitching, and all around basic machine is a Sparrow 30 for $350. I don't look for one machine to do all I want. I buy one designed to do one thing excellent and another to do the extra.