hahaha, why does people bash a console just because they don't like it!!!
I have heard of problems with the PS3 and overheating (which such problem is not as famous as the 3 rings of death) but it's still a problem that exists on PS3, and the same can be told on the Wii, I have a friend who is having problems with her Wii and it shotdowns by it self suddendly, she believes that is because overheating and I don't see people from here running away from the Wii.
Of course is worth it to get an Xbox 360, and if you can get a PS3, then of course is worth it, and if you can have a Wii then also is worth it, and the same if you could get a DS or a PSP... not because the other ones can't does not mean you shouldn't buy one and get troubled by their biased opinions. If that is what you really want to get, go and get it, don't wait for the opinion of others... I think right now you're more than sure that you want the Xbox 360.
If you change your mind because of the opinion of the people on this board, and later you regret it, then you can't blame the people here, it was your fault... the same way, if something goes wrong with whatever console, you wouldn't be able to blame anybody... those are issues that come with technology.
I have my Xbox 360 for more than a year, and it has been working great, I put a lot of hours on it, but I also try to take care of it, the same with my Wii, I have them in a area clean of dust and dirt and that is also well ventilated and not on top of the carpet!!... and no problems at all.
If I could I would get a PS3 too, but well right now I have other priorities, and I would have to do with the 360 and the Wii, so whatever you want is what you should worry about, is good to listen to the opinion of someone else, but you asked if it was worth it, so I'm telling you. YES, its worth it!!
Now if you ask about the differences between each console then that would be something else, but even besides that, every console is good and fun to play. And well racing I will not lie, they say that GT is the best of the racing so the advantage goes to the PS3, but on FPS (first person shooters) I think the 360 is the one ahead, again just my opinion, but all 3 systems are a good choice any day of the year!!