I love my Accuquilt Go! I have had at close to a year. So my mats are is great shape still. I figure at least another year before I will replacing mats and yes you do pay for them each time you need a new one. I use my accuquilt almost daily. There is always a new quilt at hand for me to be making. The dies are made to last a very very long time. I have become use to buying used dies as after a quilt or 2 many people feel they no longer want a certain die and sell them for a discounted price. I have never had a problem with a used die either. Buying from Accuquilt there is a 1 yr warrantee on dies. I hemmed and hawed buying different systems and finally decided on Accuquilt and have no regrets. It is perfect for my quilting needs. No regrets. I would strongly suggest looking on Market Place and buying used to save some money. If not buy from LQS or Accuquilt is also a go choice. I even bought my system used and saved a bundle. The learning curve is so easy. I was able to jump right in and make a fantastic Apple Core quilt the first day and master the curves so easily I couldn't believe it at all!
It is a perfect cutting system for my tired hands. I only rarely use a rotary cutter any more and that is to just trim pieces to fit the Accuquilt and make way for perfect cut pieces. Enjoy!!