Road Cycling - Should I buy this bike? Your opinion please!

Hello, I discovered this forum about a week ago and have been reading the archieves since then. You are a very helpful bunch! This is my first post, so please go easy...:)
I'm currently shopping for my first road bike. My short-term goal is to increase my fitness, basically just train, and someday complete triathalons. Although I haven't done much structured riding in my life, I've always had a strong interest in riding, and am determined to become an endurance athelete.
I just started shopping for a bike, and a LBS offered to sell me a 2003 Giant TCR1 for $1400+tax. I believe this bike goes for about $1800 elsewhere, although the 2004's will be arriving in the next month or so. My question is whether you think this is a good deal. Do you think I should wait? Go for a different bike for this price? I originally planned on spending a max of $1000, is it worth it to spend 40% more?
The reason I'm considering this bike is because this frame is a big leap up from the entry level, and also has Ultegra components. At the risk of looking like a poseur, I want a bike that will inspire me to grow into it, besides, I have an irrational need for cool gear.
Finally, the sales person told me that the 2004 is the exact same bike as the 2003, except in a different color...does anyone know if this is true?
Thanks in advance.

If you like it buy it. I would make sure that the frame is your size though. The price seam right for an Ultegra bike. As for the same as the 2004, the frame is most likely the same. The differences will be in the components, upgrades.
Dave

If it fits, that is a good deal(I have ridden one for several years) The 2004 spec is about the same as 2003

Yes, the extra 40% is worth it. But, as previously stated, IT MUST FIT YOU. If you don't feel comfortable on the bike, it isn't worth anything except as an ornament on the garage wall.

Thanks for all the quick replies. Since each of you mentioned it, I have a question about "fit." As I've been shopping for bikes, most places, even where the sales person is super nice and helpful, tend to make me pick out a bike first, then MAKE the bike fit me by making adjustments after I've bought it. This seems to go against what I've heard, so do you have any tips to ensure I'm getting a bike that fits? Thanks.

The frame is going to be the biggie here,
can you comfortably straddle the frame, etc.
The small adjustments, i.e. saddle position, bar position etc.
is normally tweaked after a well fitting frame is found.
be espcially aware of the top tube length, you don't want
to be too cramped or stretched out which will require
too long or short of a stem.

Marty

If you're looking at the Giant, I'd also take a serious look at the Litespeed Capella.
Cycling weekly rated it the 2nd best race bike available at teh moment.
The winner was a Colnago c40 costing 3times as much.

Just make sure it fits you though. Compact geomerty is not for everybody.

You can't go wrong with anything Giant makes, they are most likely the best all around bike manufacturer today; If the shoe or in this case the bike fits, go for it. I personally have a Felt-F10 and think it's even better then Colnago, Merlin or Litespeed. All the Felts are very nice.