Even though prices have risen, the SKS is still a terrific value for money spent. That said, I have to swim against the current here and say that I just can't imagine why I would want another one. Had several, tried to like them but couldn't. I hadn't actually shot any of mine for so many years (no desire to) that I decided to sell them off. Kept one for use as a truck gun.
I have only used a truck gun on two occasions; on one of those occasions it was an SKS and I remember thinking "Oh, Jesus, not this thing again..."
Reliable, cheap to shoot, yep for sure...but also heavy, ugly, uncomfortable, too short for a grown-up, marginal sights. They are still definitely well worth what they cost...but the cult following that has spring up around these things is something I just don't get.