Ok... so (touchwood) my GHD is going in for her 11th year... No problems, no scratches, nothing. If you care for your hair as well as your GHD and use the recommended products for both the GHD and your hair - it will last you very long.
When I bought mine, it was R1200 at the time with all the extras but I will never turn back.

Watch out for fakes because they are ALL over! Rather buy from a salon and register your GHD on the GHD website.