There seem to have been fewer hip issues after Sony appeared to have upgraded some parts. However there is always a possibility of a moving part breaking. A physical repair is an inevitably at some point in any aibo's future, since all moving parts wear out eventually. But it appears the hip issue is becoming less and less frequent in the first few years of ownership.
I know the feeling, it took me a long time to save up for my first aibo. Sony does offer a payment plan if you go to their official website: electronics.Sony.com
