We have the Dyson Animal and didn't pay that much for it. My boyfriend is frugal and searched online and we got one for around $300 (I don't know the exact price). I absolutely this vacuum. It is so powerful you could put the hose up to a piece of furniture and move the furniture!!
The only complaint I have is with the small attachment. It gets clogged every time I use it on the entry way rug. But I have part of a hanger and have mastered how to unclog it. The power is amazing on this thing. AND I like that fact that I do not have to mess with bags anymore. Just remove the canister and take it out to the garbage can, press a button and the bottom drops off. Beautiful!!! (Geez, I sound like an info-mercial!)
Plus I like the fact that is has purple on it. Hee hee.