In 60 plus years of sewing I've purchase two new machines, Brother Compal Opus in 1986 ( Half price-staff perk!) and a Brittania Coverstitch last year and been very happy with those purchases.
All other machines have been purchased 'used' since my retirement 14 years ago. The majority of which have been vintage Berninas, some of which I have sold and some I still have. Ok, I'm a Bernina Magpie! They fascinate me and I'm extremely fortunate to have a superb local repairman who has enabled me to benefit from sellers of machines who maybe couldn't avail themselves of such excellent, honest and trustworthy knowledge.
The most expensive machine (not cost to me) I have is a Pfaff Sewing and Embroidery machine which when new was £3,500, a price I would never have afforded, indeed I travelled a fair distance to purchase a Horn cabinet and came away with the Pfaff sewing machine, cabinet, sewing chair and a large quantity of fabric! I have spent money on a service, a light bulb and a cording foot, and it is still functioning perfectly after 12 years.
So don't be afraid to consider an older machine, do your homework and ask as many questions as you can. You may get lucky.