another part of research is to visit any dealers/repair shops in the area to see if you like the personnel there. Even if you get a great machine but have a shop with no customer service, you still may be stuck...know the people as well as the machine. some shops will charge you for a cleaning even if the fix is a tightening of a screw, while others will tighten the screw for free and tell you how to do it yourself....and dealser may have some great used machines that will have features you want but lower prices.

My old Viking has gone "off time". Took it to the repair shop and was told that they don't make part for this machine anymore. That's how old it is, but I liked it and it had a very nice stitch, anyway he said it would cost $99.50 plus tax. I said I would think it over. I'm not willing to invest that much on an old machine sooooo, I am also looking for a new, or used machine. I have a 301 in a cabinet and 221 featherweight, so I am not machine less but I need one to take to a retreat as a backup to my 221. I am thinking a Brother for $350.

I have my mothers 40 yr old Bernina and bought a singer 401 for $12 at a yard sale and invested about $15 into cleaning it up. I'm pretty new to quilting but not sewing. I just need to piece and do basic stuff. I'd get something reliable and inexpensive to start and invest in a better machine after you know what your "mission" needs really are. Enjoy the hunt! I think we all look at machines and test drive them at every shop we hit!

I have the singer 6074q. It is good for beginners