Maybe she was looking for a recommendation in the $25 - to $150 range - perhaps suggestions for some of the better black or tan Singers - or other good models from 1960 or sooner?

I have been a Singer girl since I was a kid. They are workhorses. If you do not want a vintage machine, I would choose either a classroom model, or heavy duty one. These new plastic machines just do not look very durable.

I like old Singers, wouldn't touch new ones. I have one that is from the 50s or 60s - just straight stitch and zig zag stitch. It is wonderful!!

Although - I saw the Juki at a show and while totally tempted - I could put in new kitchen counters (tiny kitchen) for the price of one...

For second hand machines you have the option of going to a sewing machine retailer that sells trade ins.

If you want an inexpensive limited number of stitches to do the heavy work you suggested, I would recommend that you get a mid century machine (prior to electronics). People rave about Singer 15s do do free motion quilting. You could buy a Singer or they were manufactured in Japan from the same design and sold under many names. If you get a picture of one, you can just compare them.

I would shop your local craig's list online, local resale stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. There are lots of them out there so you shouldn't have to pay and arm and a leg.

any machine which has a nice even straight stitch- that is in your budget & you like. my favorite machine (best $20 i ever spent) for piecing is my 1956 singer 99-K ; i quilt small projects with it- (i have a long-arm so don't need it for large projects) it is heavy duty- easy to maintain- and i love it-
but my mom---hates my little machine & swears by her industrial Necci (which she picked up at some sale where they were selling off machines that were at one time used in schools)
i spent 3 years looking for a second-hand, back-up machine- and was so happy to find the one i did- but what is right for me may not be your *cup of tea*

Sounds like you need a vintage Singer, say a 201, "the best machine Singer ever made", or maybe a 15 which are known to be FMQ friendly. If you want decorative stitches too, a Viking 6000 series will give you those. They are a joy to use but often need to be rebuilt if they haven't been used regularly. I would put the word out at my nearest SM dealer because they take in all kinds of machines on trade, and also talk to your SMG about what you want. They often can find what you need. Personally, I much more faith in the mechanical machines of the 50s, 60s, and 70s than those of recent vintage. Good luck and let us know what you find.

A 301 or a 301A are great machines. They purr quietly while you work and I have made 8 quilts on them over the past year (just started quilting last year) and they are easy to take care of. I got 301 at a local garage sale and the 301A on ebay. Paid $20.00 for the 301 and $129.00 for the 301A. I also have a featherweight and she is nice also.