I have bern doing a lot of research lately, and I believe you can get a reliable machine in the $200 - $500 range. I have three good Janomes.... Two Jems, and a DC2097LE.... All were under $400. The 2007 is the one I use all the time... It is almost 7 years old, and I've never had it in the shop.

Brother has several good machines in that price range, and believe it or not, so does Singer... Singer has several models with a metal frame....

Do test drive whatever you consider.... When you shop, take along the kind of sewing you for.

There are a couple of features I consider to be essential for a quilter... The one I love most is the needle threader, of course, but I really love the needle-down capability.... It's invaluable, whether you are piecing or quilting.... I don't have a thread cutter, but my next machine will have it, for sure.

Many of the new machines...in all price ranges gave a smart bobbin... You drop the bobbin in, run tuber the ad through a guide in the plate....and sew... No more bringing the bobbin thread up. It's hard for me to see the loop, so I want this feature, too....

I really don't think that most sewers/quilters really need to spend big bucks for a reliable sewing machine.. Of course I might change my mind if I had more money..... Or if I ever got to test drive a very high end machine.... . But, I don't think so.

Sewing machines are like everything else... There are Fords and Chevies, and there are Cadillacs and Porsches.... Both ends of the spectrum will provide good, reliable service....but the higher end models will be more luxurious. We each need to look at our budgets, and then get the most bang for our bucks possible... Sales, coupons and trade ins help a lot.

The important thing us to do your research, test the models that interest you, and buy the best you can comfortably afford. Don't worth about the opinions of others.... Buy what you think is right for you...