I just have the original Cricut machine. I got it last year @ Michaels on Black friday weekend for $68 and I picked up some carts for $27. For that price, yes, I love it. My kids now use my old Sizzix and I use my bug. I do not think I could pay much more than that though, as I am getting more and more into digital scrapbooking. I do use the Cricut for school and for card making.
Check Craigs list and ebay for people upgrading to the newer versions of the Cricut (and other systems) to see if oyu can find a deal.