I recommend if you have a dealer near you,,, go with that... just MHO... as far as the brand.. in the lower price range.. I think the Brother has the best performance record,,,, the Singer had wonderful reviews back in the day, but to be honest,, I've not seen a lot of positive lately,,, I could be way off base,,, but Janome,,,Brother have been work horses from what I've seen and I have both, as well,, Hus. is not what it used to be,, I agree,, if the cost is not prohibitive to repair your old Kenmore... so be it,, but you just can't beat the old machines for basic stuff!!!