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All of the major brand names are reliable and will have something that does what you want. Brother, Elna, Janome, Viking, Bernina. Buying a sewing machine is a lot like buying a car. You want to test drive a couple in your price range and compare the features and then pick the one you're comfortable with.Any one with a high end machine got any recommendations or even info on the ones to avoid?
A quilting machine has a deeper bed/arm than a standard machine. That does not mean you can't make quilts on a regular machine, only that you have a little bit less space to work with. All brands should offer a walking foot and quilting guide, as an add on package if not part of the accessory set.
Embroidery features differ from brand to brand, so first decide what you want to do, lettering, pictures, wedding dresses... Typically the software and patterns of each company are proprietary and not interchangeable. Examples at the sewing machine shop will look perfect, ask to try out the machine and see for yourself how easy it is to use and whether you like it.
When was the last time you had your old machine cleaned and serviced? Again, just like a car, they need regular maintenance and care. You could save a lot of money by having it fixed. Or at least use it as a trade-in toward a newer machine.