I want a model II

Now for something completely different....
You didn't specify scale, but for the money, 1/72 is always an option for you. Revell Germany has recently released some armor that is very accurate and quite detailed for the size. In addition, brush painting can be performed in this size with good results.
Gip Winecoff

I'd second either the Academy Honey or the M3A1 Stuart!

I built the Stuart about 2 months ago as my first armor kit as an adult modeler. It builds fairly easily, although I botched the individual track links and ended up using the one-piece tracks. Looks good too!

Glenn

I don't think you can beat an Academy Honey for the price ($20 on the internet), and it has a full interior to boot.

Bill

Any of the early Tamiya models like the Panzer II are cheap and easy builds. I see that Italeri re-released their Chaffee which was a nice kit with decent detail and cheap. OD is all you need. Their Sherman was pretty cool, but might be hard to find.

Check the internet companies rather than your LHS, you will be able to get a kit you probably didn't think you could afford.
www.greatmodels.com or www.rollmodels.com have competitive pricing and good service.

"It is well that war is so terrible, lest we grow too fond of it."-R.E.Lee

sounds like me....(stupid gas money!). I say buy some old tamiyas or some academy models like the stug IV which is $15 at squadron. That model was a pretty good build. Or get Tamiya's old Sdkfz 251/1, and all you need is a can of Panzer grey spray paint and some mud to weather with. Hope this helps.
Andrew

"If you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, because I bet that's what REALLY throws you into a panic."
- Jack Handy