Sony Bravia 46KDL

I am very discouraged.  We purchased a 46 inch sony bravia from our local sams club in April of 2008.  Recently we started having issues with the screen "folding over" on the left side, horizontal lines and the entire screen having a red tinge.  I took the set into a repair center and found out that the "panel" would have to be replaced at the least and possibly other items too, for a total of about $2500!  The televison cost around $2,000.  Unfortunately we did not purchase an extended warranty never thinking that we would have a major problem so soon.  Sony told me that I could purchase another Sony 46 inch through the Sony website for a discounted price of $975.  Has anyone else had problems with the "panel" going out on their Sony Bravia?  I have purchased numerous Sony products over the years and have never had something go out this quickly.   Does anyone else have any suggestions?  I don't want to purchase another television at this time