Mountain Biking - serendipity?

Bike shops are such dangerous places. As I was going round the LBS and a couple of not so LBS for quotes on my first hardtail and noting some sale items I chanced upon a built up superlight ('02 I think) XT mechs, disc brakes and other goodies for US$1923 equiv. after discount. It was US$2300 equiv. before. Since this was only slightly more than a '02 stumpy pro in another shop, I almost walked out the shop with the superlight.
Even though I was orignally looking for a hardtail, I am now considering this as a possible purchase too. Is this be a reasonable price for a superlight? What sort of problems (if any) should I be aware of for this frame? I am still in the process of reading through the 90+ reviews from mtbreview.com. Thanks.

This is just a general answer, but most prices in your local LBS are fair if you want someone to maintain and fix your bike under a warranty period. On the other hand, if you have mechanical skills, the proper tools, and love to tinker, then the prices are outrageous.

Offhand, I can't think of where HK (Hong Kong?) is but a Santa Cruz is probably a rather exotic bike outside North America - isn't it? In that case, the bike doesn't sound like such a bad deal. As for buying it vs. a hardtail, it depends entirely on what you want to do. These are race/light duty trail bikes.

Nice deal but one thing to consider is future parts, maintenance etc...It would be like us buying a european car. Special mechanics, expensive rare parts for some parts. It is a good deal but is it worth 'possible' future hassles...

location sounds like the key but I love mine and I did alot of research before forking over more than $3,000 for mine so it is a good deal and it is a great bike!!!