I do not know anything about GVP, but I wanted to mention that although my CHI was an investment, it lasted over 3 years! So i feel like I did get my money worth out of it. I buy my flatirons at Folica.com, you might be able to catch a sale or something, and they come with a warranty.
Good luck, hope someone can help. LOVE my CHI. I recently tried the Sedu, hated it.