I bought my first emb. machine over 12 years ago, it was a Bernia Deco, outgrew that one, upgraded to a Viking Designer I and I have two of them now.
You can pick one up from E-bay for around $900, they were the top of the line six or so years ago. You would love it, it will do all you need one to do.
I would love to upgrade to the new Diamond, but I love the two I have and would keep them anyway. Sometimes I have both of them going.
Don't worry about age, it has nothing to do with it, get one and go for it and have fun!!!!! By the way, I use mine almost everyday.