IMO.....ask your local Bernina service agent if they have any good quality 'older' machines........solid, heavy, stitch well, parts are swiss made from precision cut steel etc not plastic from Asian factories. Only cost you a couple of hundred.

Each to their own but this is what I would spend my $150-$200 on for a first sewing machine.

You can pick up a new 'plastic' sewing machine for a bargain price ANYWHERE.........but if it's affordable QUALITY that you want?.....Bernina or Elna from over 40 years ago-so long as has history of being serviced &/or low use imo.

Like a car....the more 'whizz bang' whistles n bells like computer electronic windows....the more chance it will bleep up, then cost big $'s to fix or replace. K.I.S.S. principle is best imo.