We had a low end GE dishwasher that the builder installed in our house. The pump started leaking last summer, after about 8.5 years. I too figured it would just easier and more cost effective to buy something newer and better. After doing some research reading Consumer Reports and checking out various models in stores, we decided on a new mid-level GE Profile (PDW8200 or something like that, $630 at Sears) dishwasher and have been EXTREMELY happy with it. One thing my wife really liked about the GE Profile series is the controls. They aren't small, hidden, and difficult to use but not big and blocky looking like the Bosch and the latch is easy to use even with longer fingernails. I also wanted a stainless steel tub and am so far very impressed with how clean it keeps itself. This dishwasher has also proven to be very quiet.
The difference between the old dishwasher and the new one is like night and day. We basically had to pre-wash all the dishes prior to putting them in the old one so they would come out clean. I just always figured that was simply the way things were. After reading an article in Consumer Reports saying that dishes shouldn't have to be pre-washed or even pre-rinsed and in fact doing so was a waste of water, I figured I'd put their claim to the test. I've been just scraping the big chunks off and throwing the dishes, cookware, and utensils in the dishwasher. Dried on oatmeal, rice cereal (stuff seems like cement), whatever, they come out clean. Like I said, I've been very impressed.
Whatever you do, I wouldn't settle for one of those builder's "spec" grade dishwashers. Take the money and find a closeout or add to it and buy an even better one. You won't regret it.
By the way, the Bosch dishwashers are nice and while Consumer Reports had some good things to say about them, they also rated as them as the second highest repair-prone brand.