I agree with Jhon. If you plan on staying with DirecTV for a while, there really is no point in owning the box. I negotiated myself into an HR20 with the new dish and install for $99.00. I've only been a customer for a year and a half. If your payment history is good, you should be able to come in at around that price. If you fail to get a deal at less than $100, log on to your account online and submit an e-mail with "your offer". Tell them you've seen websites such as SatGuys, where users have been able to get free or highly discounted equipment and you'd like the same deal.
You will most likely spend nearly $400 on E-Bay, plus you'll have to install or pay for it. Look at the folks who spent nearly $1000 for an HR10-250. Here they are 4 years later and the best they can get is $300, if they're lucky.
Best of luck to you and let us know how things work out for you.
As a 10 Year D* customer, I do NOT recommend telling D* that you saw ANY of this on a forum! Under ANY circumstances! The fact that WE know they give out discounts and free equipment does NOT mean we need to be going out of our way to tell the CSR's HOW we know. Now its easy to find the info for sure, but PLEASE don't broadcast it!
The way that is worked for me and that I suggest for you is to call and act as dumb as a rock. Tell them that you are interested in the HR20 ( or H20 if you don't want a DVR, but if they'll GIVE you the DVR why not?) Say that cable is offering a great deal if you bundle all your services with them, and they have great equipment ( yeah, I know BS). USUALLY, if you have a good payment record and haven't raped them for upgrades recently, they will take care of you. Be polite but firm, and you will get what you desire, usually for the shipping fee ( 19.95). Also if you get a HD receiver you will get a new slimline dish and installation included, too. So you won't have to worry about anything but setting an appointment for the install.
I had a HD Tivo, and back in December I got a HR20 for 19.95 after all the programming credits and stuff.I had to pay 220.00 up front, but they gave it all back to me in programming credits since then. I have seen lately on dbstalk.com that D* is letting a lot of HR20's go out the door for 19.95 for folks that have Sunday Ticket or some other sports pack. So if can happen. If one CSR doesn't play ball, hang up and try again.
That's just my .02. Of course you are welcome to do it any way you want.