'02 KX250 for Off Road racing? or CR/YZ?

I hope that this thread attracts people that have ridden the newer KX/CR/YZ !!
I have a dilema, I am putting my son through University and it's costing much more than I thought. I have to sell a bike, or two, in order to make this happen, in the short term. I was racing a 250F last year in the enduro's and HS but it's on the block.
I am able to get a brand new KX250 for a steal to replace it. I will have about $1000 in my pocket at the price that I will get the KX for to use for school.

I have ridden/owned the earlier KX's and being 5'7" I found that they were a little tall and large for woods riding and it would tire me out due to the size.
Are the '02's any different than the '93/96's? Would this make a decent woods bike for someone my size or should I hold out for a light '02 CR which might be more nimble?

Thx for the feedback!!

I forgot to mention that I can get the '02 KX250 for $3500 in the crate and a '02 CR250 for $4450 in the crate.

Thx for the reply. How about reliability? Have you had any pblms with the KX?
I know that the CR's have been notoriously reliable.