We just moved into a house that previously had a built-in and while I knew they were pricy and relatively unreliable, I didn't have a good perspective on HOW pricy. Yowza.

Any recommendations on sources or models that will feel less like I'm buying a new used car? The standard sources like big-box home stores and many online options I can find all seem to be on the same pricing model, and general theme seems to be "that's what they cost, deal with it!" Honestly I don't care if it says Viking, GE or Dumbledore on the machine, I just want something relatively reliable at a modest/value price. Hopefully Brad will see this, and hopefully he won't tell me that I have to spend the top end of scale!

We also have looked at replacing with a counter-depth unit and having cabinetry modeled/added around the huge 42"x84" opening to fit better, but I'm getting to that point where spending $2500 on a unit plus $1000+/- on remodeling to match is starting to creep up on the $6-7K for a new built in that will look the way it should. Not to mention a "standard" counter depth unit will be smaller capacity.

1000 curses on the prior owner for taking this with them, BTW!!!