Heh, I guess I'm lucky... I've had my PS2 for years and it still works like new... XD
Not sure what I did to keep it running so long. I just kept really good care of it, that's all I can think of. Heck, even my first PS1 is still working-- and every other console I've ever owned, knock on wood, including my PS3.
But yeah, you can find a PS2 pretty cheap anymore. You can find them at GameStop/EB Games, Toys 'R Us, Fry's, pretty much anywhere that has a decent selection of games and consoles.