In article .com,
says...
$800 is comparable to $2k in 89.

Huh? $800(2005) is comparable to $513.24(1989) according to:
http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi (the first "inflation
calculator" in the search list).

A new car could be had for $13k (my
brother bought a shelby daytona turbo z so not a hunday)

That $13k in 1989 is now the same as $20263.50. A nice car can be
had for that kind of money, particularly after rebates and such.
The 2005 car will last longer and run better too, not to mention
better safety features and creature comforts.

snip stuff left by the top-poster

--
Keith