If you're looking for cheap color slide film try Photo Warehouse, which goes by "Ultrafine" on eBay. They sell, among other things, short dated and not too far past date film, and I've had good results with it, and they also happen to be an APUG sponsor--
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
They used to be a popular source for ULF and custom format sheet film, which they cut to order from master rolls. I don't know that they still do that.
I second David Goldfarb
I tried some outdated Provia from a friend- it was fine
So I bought some from Photowarehouse that was outdated but much fresher.
PW clearly states the oldest date-there is no attempt to deceive whatever.
I notice that they sold out of many of the choices that are shown, so many folks share our opinion.