Agreed, Makita is expensive, but no more so, at least here, than other pro grade tools. The irritating thing is that all the jap power tools seem to be good, + the fact we make nothing anywhere near approaching it in this country. Brit machine tools were sold all over the world and what have we now ?. Nothing, basically.
There are times when you buy cheap tools to get a job done because you're skint, but always on the understanding that it will most likely need to be replaced. Much more fun to buy quality, look after it and use it for a lifetime :-)...
Regards,
Chris