[Wavytone]

Don't buy anything. There is another solution - go join an astro society, turn up at their observing nights and use other peoples gear. Why own the stuff when others will let you have a look through theirs - and when that gear is far more than you can possibly afford.

Big scopes are for when you have the cash to splash (and don't care), the right space to use them and store them, and if you are in a big city, the car to transport them safely. Alternatively if you live in the country with dark skies at home, great, but this is not reality for most until they can retire, and even then unlikely.

Family comes first.
House second.
Car third.

Scopes are well down the list, very much a boys-toy or luxury item, along with cameras, hi-fi, and expensive sporting gear like paragliders and ski-gear.