In my opinion, Mark, go to your local library and check out a couple sewing books. The older edition of the Reader's Digest Complete book of Sewing(not really sure if this is the complete correct title) is full of information on sewing and the parts of the machine and there are many others as well. I just like this one in particular.
After reading up on the art of sewing, comb the web sites, every brand of sewing machine I believe has a web site, such as
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look at the different machines. There is a FAC somewhere that is a list of good used machines, reasonably priced, I just don't know the URL. After you familiarize yourself with some information, go to dealers, look at the older machines, try them out with your own fabric, just scraps of the type you plan to sew. And if any dealer doesn't want you to try them, leave immediately and look for another one. Some dealers are just out to sell new machines and have no empathy for "lookers/possible buyers of used machines." Frankly, I don't see how they expect to sell the used ones.
Some people give good machines to thrift shops because they want to get rid of them and don't want to bother trying to sell them, like a daughter of mine. She was moving and gave an excellent Kenmore(Sears) to Goodwill. It was later sold for $10. With a little information gleaned from reading a couple books, you might find one you can really use for less than $100, easily. Oh by the way, everyone says the Genie is a piece of junk, I don't know. I have never seen one nor do I know anyone who has had one. If you have a bit of knowledge on sewing, and you already have the Genie, why not give it a try? After all, you said it was given to you, so it might turn out to be a learning tool to try your skill, if you are aware it may be junk. Who knows? Emily, an older sewist, who has enjoyed the art for over 65 years.