How big of a problem are the Red Lights of Death?

I'm just wondering how big of a problem they are now. I'm planning on getting a 360 (Don't even suggest I get a PS3, I don't want to pay 600 bucks for a blu ray player) and I want to know if I should buy the extended warrenty. Also I would like to know when they break down if they do at all. Thanks for your help:)Grodus5

If you get one from best buy I think you get a sweet deal on like a 3 yr warranty.  There red rings not as big a problem as people make.  Just do not buy the nyko intercooler and take care of your 360.   

I thought mine had it once but it turned out I didn't have the A/V cable plugged in all the way.ramey70

That's 4 red lights, not 3. 

i'm on my second console.

you get one year warrenty for free from microsoft. the way i see it, you have 2 options if you want a 360

option A: buy 360 at retail store an buy the retails warrenty for it.

option B: buy 360 at retail store and wait 11 months, call microsoft and extend your warrenty (you get your first warrenty for free and it lasts one year. as long as you are under warrenty you can extend that warrenty.) 

i have done option B. i won my 360 so i had to. although my friend bought his at best buy and had to deal with a bunch of BS. i've heard mixed things about instore warrenty. take your chances with it if you want but i've had a pleasant expirience from microsft customer service.

point being, you need a warrenty or you'll regret it. 

Ok thanks. Seems the cows are using it as a weak point like the flying Wiimotes. Also how long is the extended warrenty and how much does it cost?Grodus5

Microsoft extended warranty I think 2 years between $50 & $60 

[QUOTE="Grodus5"]Ok thanks. Seems the cows are using it as a weak point like the flying Wiimotes. Also how long is the extended warrenty and how much does it cost?shawn7324

Microsoft extended warranty I think 2 years between $50 & $60 

I love the fact that if you buy a 360 you are pretty much 'forced' to get a warranty. No other console in history has ever 'forced' you to get a warranty. Thats how you know the 360s hardware problems are real.Carmilla31

PS2 maybe?