High repair quotes sell new machines! My local sew & vac guy talked me out of buying a Burnina I found at a garage sale that had a defective LCD screen. $600 for part and circuit board. Uh....no.

So, tarbubble.....ask around with family and friends for old machines in closets. Free usually, a spritz of oil usually fixes the reason they are in the closet. Then, wander into garage sales....if no machines are present, ask if they have one they'd like to sell or donate (you'd be surprised, if the timing is right). I bought a killer serger for $50. Several sewing machines for $10-20....and several free ones for asking around at church. I fix 'em and donate 'em.
Check Craigs list. Don't fret.....the machine with your name on it is out there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />