E74 360 error: should I buy new one or wait for my repair?

[huckleberry]

Just got an E74 error on my 2 year old elite.  Does anyone know how long the wait is these days to get a console back from MS?  Someone told me it could be up to 6 weeks 

If it is that long then maybe I should just go buy an arcade then sell my refurbed 360 on Craigslist for the cheap....don't mind spending the money...but dont want to if the wait is only going to be a week or two max.

[demi]

I would just wait for your refurb. I doubt it will take up to 6 weeks.

[Van Cruncheon]

i got my elite refurb back in 2

[huckleberry]

2 weeks isn't that bad....but wouldn't you know it, as soon as I can't play the urge is overwhelming.

Thanks for the replies. 

[muckhole]

My friend's 360 was back in two weeks last summer, this summer my gf's was back in four days!

Note that I'm in Canada though,

[trippingmartian]

Just had mine replaced and it took 2 business days.

[tehjaybo]

Sent mine back a few months back, it took less than a week.  Pro system, though. 

[chronovore]

Incidentally, not sure if this is already widely known or not, but the E74 error is now covered under the 360's warranty extension:

http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/kb.aspx?id=969905&lcid=1033&category=hardware

While the majority of Xbox 360 owners continue to have a great experience with their console, we are aware that a very small percentage of our customers have reported receiving an error that displays “E74” on their screen. After investigating the issue, we have determined that the E74 error message can indicate the general hardware failure that is associated with three flashing red lights error on the console. As a result, we have decided to cover repairs related to the E74 error message under our three-year warranty program for certain general hardware failures that was announced in July 2007. We have already made improvements to the console that will reduce the likelihood of an occurrence of this issue. Detailed information related to the Xbox 360 warranty and resources for those who require repair can be found at www.xbox.com/support (www.xbox.com/support) .

Microsoft will refund to customers the amount paid for an out of warranty repair due to a general hardware failure associated with the e74 error message. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary. However, if a customer has not received a refund by July 1, 2009, the customer should visit www.xbox.com/support before November 1, 2009 for information on how to place a claim. All refund claims must be received on or before November 1, 2009.’For more information about troubleshooting the E74 error message, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
941377 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941377/ )  Your Xbox 360 console receives the error message E74

Mine was repaired by MS Japan last year, and they charged me 12,000 yen for it. I'll soon call them to find out how they're planning to refund my money.