I just thought I'd throw my recent used-car purchase experience for comparison.

My wife and I determined that we'd really like a VW Eurovan (since we now have two children.) Year 1993 was the only year they were imported before reintroduced in 1999. She wanted a really clean example.

Edmunds suggests $3,000, $4,800, and $5,500 (trade-in, private, dealer) for a nearly excellent condition 1993 model.

This June, we located a one-owner in Annaheim, CA (I'm in Wisconsin) with just the right features (welll, no cruise control) for $7,250. After flying in and meeting the guy, he tells me some lady offered him his original asking price of $8,000 and to pay for our plane tickets out to CA. (Obviously, a devoted following and demand can skew what are reported values.) BTW: the trip home from CA in that Eurovan was a hoot! A very fun, versatile van with a 5 speed stick to boot.