1. You can buy the equipment.
2. If something breaks.....new equipment has a 12 month warranty, but you would have to pay the shiiping. You can buy the warranty afterwards.
3. The only real way you will save money is if you are not planning on getting locals or you do not like the commitment.
4. You might want to call and see if they still have the "free dish" program where the equipment is free, but you have to commit to a 12,18 or 24 month agreement, depending on what you want. That way, after the commitment, you could sell the equipment. I'm not sure that promotion still exists...I haven't seen it avertised in a while.