Welcome Manxcat!
Many of the experienced sewers here recommend that you visit several dealers in your area and test drive their machines to see what feels right for you. Ask lots of questions, how many stitches, buttonhole making, electronic vs. mechanical, special bells and whistles, etc. Decide what it is you want to make, what do you want the machine to do? Ask the dealer if they offer classes on their machines.

Some brand names that you might look at are: BabyLock, Viking, Bernina, Elna, Pfaff, White, and Brother. Perhaps others here will list their favorite brands.

I've included the search results on this forum for "new machine."

Here is a link that might be useful: forum search on new machine

Thank you so much. I was thinking about doing just what you said and "test drive" different models. I'll let you know which machine I decided to get. I am a little bummed that my old machine has bit the dust but excited about getting brand new one.
Mary

Definitely try out a Pfaff. I love mine.

I vote for Baby Lock

My brother has a Pfaff and loves it. I will definitely going to the dealership. I hadn't thought of a Baby lock but I'll give one a go. Thanks for the ideas. I'm getting more and more excited about getting my machine. I wish I could buy more then one.