My Weber is 17 years old and fires right up as well. IMHO save up a few bucks more and go for a Weber - they are really worth it! I am not in the market for a new one but I do recall seeing them priced in the mid $600's just last week.
All the other grills I've owned never lasted more than a few years without replacing the ignitors, briquets, grates, blah blah blah. Not only do the Weber's last and last, but they get real hot real fast! Even their covers are great!