red rings - ebay - and three hundred dollars... please help

So here is the deal, I can spend up to three hundred dollars on an Xbox 360 and one game. My plan was to purchase a core system off of ebay - preferably new - and looking at the auctions I think I could get one for about $200. However today at work, a co-work of mine reminded me of red ring death, and said that it was still a prevalent problem with the system and I shouldn't buy one without a warranty. I'm trying to save as much money as possible - it's kind of tight at the moment so if I can do it for less then tree hundred it would be great - while still getting the console and one game.

So my question is, is getting an xbox off of the ebay too much of a gamble, and would it be better to try and get a new one or a used one that has been proven to work. My other option is a refurbished one from gamestop for 200, but for some reason I don't like that idea.

also... Halo, Mass Effect, or Assassin's Creed for a first game?

I'd keep saving personally, you really need a hard drive with the console. If you have Live Halo would be a choice I guess. Mass Effect is good no matter what.bulletproofcow

I was thinking of get hard drive later, I don't think I'd use the online functionality very much so it's not really a necessity, unless there's another reason to have one?

1 reason to have a hard drive:

Some games require it. Forza 2 no HD no career mode. Halo 3 for the replay features. Game updates new maps etc....

SAVE for another month.

1 reason to have a hard drive:

Some games require it. Forza 2 no HD no career mode. Halo 3 for the replay features. Game updates new maps etc....

SAVE for another month.

CorporateHammer

This guy is right. Having a 360 without a hard drive is like having a computer without one. It's pretty useless without one and a memory card for a core system will run you $50 anyways. Hold off until you can afford a Pro System that comes with everything you need instead of getting nickel and dimed for it later.

a warranty for the xbox 360 is essential

without it would just be a waste of money

you could get an xbox off ebay and when you get the system you can register it or see if it is registered, and then call microsoft and pay $50 for i think 2 years. so still get a xbox off ebay. if you get 360 in march get a new game rainbow six vegas 2, army of two, or battlefielld bad company, and if you get it soon get assassins creed. if u get live get gears of war or halo3

If the warrenty is extended what's my best bet, and what would I have to do if somthing wrong?

Gears of War should be your first game.

And get a warranty.

I "think" all 360's are covered under RROD, I'd call 800-MYXBOX, say you have the RROD, give serial number and see if they'll send you a coffin, you can always call back in a few days to say it works. That way you know your covered.