Years ago I purchased a JCPenny (made by Brother) machine for $99. That machine has 38 stitches (including some decorative - obviously not digital). It has lasted me for 19 years, but most of the internal metal workings are mounted with plastic, therefore I lost my bobbin winder about 4 years ago and had to purchase a sidewinder. Not bad for a $99 no-name machine and I still use it all the time for workshops and travel.

I now have a Bernina 820 - and I specifically purchased it for it's warranty and workmanship. It's top of the line, got everything computerized, etc, and comes in at a little less than $7,000. So I've had it both ways and I love both.
Point is....it's really up to you! Do your research, set a budget and decide what is most important. Then go get her.

BTW, I'd love to have an old Singer like that. I learned to sew on my mom's 60s Singer in that weird avocado green color that was so popular back then and I would love to have that machine...she tossed it saying she could never use the darn thing it always bunched up the thread. Mom didn't know there was such a thing as TENSION adjustment!!!!! UGH!