If you are in the south of England, you may want to look at the Thames Valley RepRap group. http://tvrrug.org.uk/
They built 15 RepRaps togther in the last build, and the new build just starting has 20 participants spread over the south of England.
I think the whole kit was around £400, and the team build makes success pretty certain. There may be some interesting options there.
I know of tvrrug from their association with Reading Hackspace. Hackspaces are another great way to get access to 3D printing.