Ironfist... where are you that a Ninja 250 costs that much???
77Formula... I would check here..
http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html
I found 4 in my area (Cincinnati Ohio) under $2800
You are correct about the new 08's... they are hard to find.. I went to a local dealer and asked about them.. his response was "I wish I had a showroom full of them" sellin like hotcakes.. But the little Ninja has always been a top seller for Kawi.
I really like the 08 styling.. but they made it a little more aggressive riding postion.. and it is uncomfortable for me... the older ones are almost a "standard" position.. and you can get clip on risers to raise the bars a couple inches.
If you want more info about this bike... I spent lots of time on this forum.. gathering info.
http://forums.ninja250.org/
Just found this nice riders review.. of the bike... nice pics too.
http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1145
Good luck in your search.
Ken