I have borrowed friends and tried most makes and would say that nothing comes close to GHDs. However I know that some people don't really rate them so I assume that different ones work better for different people.
Borrow some of your friends and see which suit you!
GHD's are most certainly the way to go and the best investment you'll ever make (from a hair grooming point of view!). I bought mine about 5 years ago and have looked after them and they still work their magic for me and my main of mess! They cost me about �90 back then but they were worth every single penny.
If you can't afford them from suppliers then yes, try Ebay, but honestly, you won't regret it.