I just bought a sewing machine last week.i got it from a private business
its a kenmore.nothing fansty.iam a beginner also never sewed in my life.when i went looking i told them that walmart had one on sale i was thinking about buying and they told me not to buy from a retail store because they were all plastic inside and they cant get replace parts if some thing was to happen.plus they offered free lessons witch i start tues im very excited.so iguess if you have any sewing businesses in your area you might want to check them first and see what they have to offer.good luck to you