TractorBoy: Stick around here, read up on the posts, and you'll be amazed at the info that will fall into your head. A year or so ago, I had no idea about most of the various AKs out there, but after some time here playing catch-up, I was able to come across a good deal on a Norinco MAK-90 (Chinese-made AK variant) in great shape for $400 out the door - and I was able to realize that that was a good deal!
I've been very happy with that rifle, and with the levels of info I've picked up on this site.
There are lots of AKs out there to choose from, and some are better than others. The Maadi (Egyptian) models seem to be held in quite high regard, the Norinco (Chinese) seem to get some respect, the WASR seems to get good and bad, depending on who you talk to. I've heard some say that WASR stands for "What A Shi**y Rifle", but others love theirs. I don't own one, and never have, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't grab one at the right price. Right now, they seem to be hovering around $500, which may seem high considering that a year ago you could pick 'em up for $400 or so (but about 3 years ago they were around $250), so $500 for a decent AK variant ain't bad from where I sit.
There's also the Saiga line that's worth looking into. They're better made than you might expect (I've put over 1000 rounds through my Saiga 7.62x39 without a problem) and cheaper than you might think. Prices are around $300 these days.
Stick around, ask questions, and read, read, read. You'll find out almost anything you want to know in order to be able to find the right rifle for you. And then you can start looking for the NEXT one.
Mike