Sewing mamas - another machine question

2-Step

Would this be a good choice for a starter sewing machine? Or should I just look for a more basic manual model until I get the hang of it?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/hsh/2574027529.html

It's a Brother XR7700 computerized for $50.

BFab11

I'd definitely check it out.  Just because it has a bunch of features doesn't mean that you need to use them all right away, KWIM?

Look online and see if you can find a manual for it.  If it seems pretty straightforward to get to basic functions (straight stitch, zig zag stitch, back stitch, etc) then I'd go for it!  Brother is a good brand. 

1Thess517

Yes and no. Beware of cheap machines, you'll have cheap machine issues eventually. It is generally best to buy from a dealer, and you can find some really nice, inexpensive machines and have the backing of a dealer to help with any questions and issues.

However, that being said, if you plan on sewing just a few things here and there, this would probably be fine for you. I really liked my $130 Brother for about a year, until I got way more into it and then I started having needle timing issues and such that needed to be fixed every three stinkin' months. I ended up finally being able to upgrade after 2.5 years, and I think if I had just spent more in the beginning, I wouldn't have had to upgrade so soon. 

But, if you don't know how much you'll like it, this would probably be a good machine for you to see, and just start saving for an upgrade if you get really into it. HTH and I don't mean to sound condescending, I just wanted to throw my experiences in there.

the_jackpot

As a novice I think it is good. Hardly used and pretty inexpensive. I would upgrade later if needed but you may not even like sewing. GL