If you are interested in getting a Dyson at some time in the future, I recommend keeping an eye on websites like slickdeals or similar. Just search for Dyson. Lots of stores have sales on Dyson on a regular basis, and people on those websites will post the ads/deals they find. Also, if you don't have to have the absolute newest model, Dyson regularly releases new models, sometimes they only difference is a different color than last year's model. The older ones will get discounted. Of course, the caveat for deals like these is that they can happen at any time, and may only last for a few days, so you might miss out if you don't jump on it.
I got a Dyson for a very good price with the help of slickdeals, I think I paid right around, or just under, $200 for a brand new one, including tax and free shipping. It was a model that got discontinued, but it's perfect for me. (DC18 Slim, original MSRP was $469.) I replaced a bagless Dirt Devil that was twice as loud, picked up half as much dirt, and cost me a fortune in replacement HEPA filters.
Also, remember that the only difference between the Animal versions and the non-Animal versions is the set of attachments. All of the attachments that are packaged with the Animals can be purchased separately.
If you go for a different vacuum, make sure to pay attention to things like filters that have to be replaced, and note the cost of them. Figure this into the overall cost of the vacuum. (In the two years I had the Dirt Devil, it cost me more, total, than what I paid for my Dyson, which has lifetime filters.)