You can go one of three ways, with a rough estimate of the cost of each figure, where I feel knowledgeable enough to quote a price:
1. Original G1 - I stay away from these, only b/c I don't want to deal with ebay sellers claiming that an item has tight joints and no paint/chrome wear, only to find out that the thing is like a Raggedy Andy doll.
2. Classics - G1 + 20 years of toy development and expertise. IMO, superior than the originals in both transformation and overall look of the robot. Here's what you should expect to shell out:
Starscream = $30 - $40 (or preorder the Takara version at BigBadToyStore.com for $25. It comes out in March).
Skywarp = Comes with Ultra Magnus in a 2-pack Target exclusive = $25 - $45.
Thundercracker = 2007 Botcon exclusive, limited to approximately 1500 made = $250-$300.
Ramjet = $10 - $20.
Thrust = 2007 Botcon exclusive, limited to approximately 1500 made = $200-$300.
Dirge = 2007 Botcon exclusive, limited to approximately 1500 made = $200-$300.
If you buy the entire "Games of Deception" set, which included all three seekers mentioned above, you'll save yourself some money over buying each individually (unless you get lucky on ebay auctions).
3. Miscellaneous Others - If you're looking for seekers but don't want to shell out the cash for either of the above, here are some other versions that might be what you're looking for without breaking the bank:
Starscream = RobotMasters figure - updated G1 figure, has the same transformation as G1 figure, but without the removable fists, wings, and landing gear. Nice looking figure in cartoon-accurate colors. Slightly smaller than the classics version. Will run you between $25-$45. Another option is the G1 anime Energon Starscream, but I don't know how expensive that figure is and it's a different alt mode (F22 instead of F15 like the original).
Skywarp & Thundercracker = RobotMasters figure - Come together in a 2-pack = $45 - $55 for both.
Ramjet = I'd stick with the Classics figure here - $10 - $20.
Thrust = Toy Dreams Project version of Armada Thrust - comes in G1 dark red and costs between $35 - $50.
Dirge = Powerlinx Armada Thrust - $15-$25.
Sunstorm = Titanium - $20-$25.
I hope this helps. I've had all of the figures that I mentioned above, so if you have any other specific questions, feel free to PM me. Also, be sure to check out the pics in the database - they help immensely.
Good luck!!!
