DottyD

I agree - LOVE my Janomes -

CarrieC

I think Janome - I gave (It has been a while) the Janome GEMS to both of my daughters when they left home (I'd have to guess maybe 10 stitches total - ZERO bells and whistles). Both of them have upgraded but still have their Janome's for "the regular stuff".

MissJMac

I grew up with Singers and Kenmores. I am now a firm believer in Janome (Basic with a few decorative stitches for when the grandkids come to visit; Janome Embroidery Machine which I love; Janome 6250 my everyday workhorse; and a recently purchased Janome 1600P DBX with the 10" throat plate for free motion quilting and speed sewing.
I'd check with the merchant that services your machine and ask him to be on the lookout for a good used machine. He can check it, test it and judge whether its a good buy for you.

montanajan

I bought used sewing machines for my DIL, 2 sons and my daughter.
All sew well & are not plastic 'throwaways'.
I got 1 New Home (Janome), an old Kenmore, 2 old Singers. If they need/ want more down the road, I offered to help them with next purchase. So far, they're each satisfied with the ones they received.

If you want a new machine for them, I'm inclined to lean towards mid-priced Janome or Brother.