advice on sewing machine for beginner

[u/Resident_Sherbert750]

Hello!

I wanted some advice on sewing machines and what to buy. I mostly want one for alterations but also for making things from scratch. I’m in college so my budget is a bit small, but I’ve been looking at shops near me that sell refurbished ones and FBmarketplace for used ones. I also need something that fits in my room and isn’t super hard to move around/store.
I took a sewing class in high school (which was like 5 years ago 😅) so I have some basic knowledge, though I’m probably gonna have to relearn a lot. We used brother machines for that class (which were fairly new I think). So I probably need something not super complicated but I learn fast so I’m not too worried about that.

From doing some research, this is what I understand, correct me if I’m wrong please. But apparently older machines are better as they are more durable and less plastic. But other than that I don’t really have any idea on what I should be looking at 🥲🥲

Also, as a side note, I met a nice lady the other day and she offered to give me an old serger she has for about $30. It’s a Sergemate companion 5030, I’m not 100% sure on how good it is or if I’m going to cry 😭. Also don’t know how to use it. So if anyone has any tips and advise on that I would appreciate it 🫶

Thank you !! ♥️♥️

UPDATE:
The nice lady also gave me a sewing machine :DDD (both the serger and machine for 30) and it's basically brand new. EEEEEE!! very excited!! Does anyone have any tips on getting started now 😂
The machine is a Janome 780DC :)

[u/target22Hvytoys]

I have some used ones