I own a Czech T-55a and would recommend them to anyone looking to but an actual tank. As cool as things like Abbots and Scorpions are, they pale in comparison to a "real" tank. As Dave Bane mentioned, dealing with Eastern Europe on parts alone, let alone vehicles, can be a nightmare. We have both struggled with certain "suppliers" and I have personally had to contact their governments to have them apply pressure to force them to ship goods that had been paid for months before. I bought my T-55 through a supplier in England. Their way of doing business and Government agencies are much more compatible with ours. I have done major jobs such as changing track and a clutch replacement which requires the transmission and rear deck to be removed and it doesn't require a full shop setting or tools. I hired the delivery truck from the local lumber yard for the re and re on the deck and transmission and did all the work in my yard. I'm 6 feet and 190 lbs and find it quite comfortable to drive although it does require some strength for the steering so it may not be for someone with a slighter build. A place to run it around is a must to avoid having seals dry up and such. My understanding is that recent changes in U.S. import laws have made it all but impossible to import a vehicle with a working gun and it may even require the removal of the gun entirely. Your best bet is to either find something already in the States or go through an importer. Again, I would recommend the T-55 on its reliability, ease of maintenance and availability of parts. You don't have to be a mechanic to keep it running.
Good luck