I have a Janome, not sure what model. I have had it about 2 years and no problems whatsoever. If I remember correctly, I paid about $280 for it and got a quilting foot as well (for free).

I also have an overlocker which I got for my 15th birthday and it is also going well. Not sure what brand that one is.

Your local sewing shop should offer a couple of free classes teaching you how to use the machine you buy. Most of the smaller, local sewing shops do that.

I would suggest you by a mid-range sewing machine, not the cheapest and certainly not the most expensive. You need to determine exactly what you want to use the machine for and look at the accessories that come with the machine (i.e. quilting foot, invisible zipper foot etc). Just a hint though, be careful if you go for a machine with computerised features as I have heard they are not as reliable in the long run. At least that was what I was told two years ago, they may have improved.

Good luck and have fun!