Hey
I dont do a lot of sewing but when i started got my machine for nix on freecycle, it is a janome 610 a late 1960s machine which does the basic stitches etc. All metal and mechanical. A total workhorse. I can do basic maintenance and have it serviced around annually. Totally perfect for my learning.
in talking to my sewing machine service man who has been in the business of servicing and selling machines for approx 40 years he recommended strongly buying second hand to get a simpler easier to fix/service/ more durable machine. Early 1970s janome or bernina. If buying new, brother machines something like the n10 or the n30 - he said they come back very rarely with problems whereas he is finding most other brands especially janome coming back heaps with problems due to their having cheaper plastic parts. if you can hang out until mothers day before then is usually the best time to buy.
good luck.
Belinda.