I paid about 5100 for my Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR (2007) and now the new model that they call VR II is in the 6500 range. The new 500 VRII is around 8500.

There is a savings of about $500 if you purchase a "gray market" 500, but you forgo the 5 year Nikon warranty.
And it's next to impossible to get any of Nikon's long lenses (500 and 600) they are constantly back-ordered with 6-8 months of waiting.

I just wish the things didn't smell so good!