Wow, that sounds like a great price to me. I paid 23K for mine with 9,000 on it from a private owner. But I was antsy to buy one. I did'nt want to wait.
Got mine last week for 19.5 with 24k on it last week. However most of the others in the area were listed in the 21-22K range. Heck I almost got an 04 for 19.5 but it was a red auto instead of the yellow 5 speed I really wanted.
I wouldn't go more than $21,500 as long as you don't have a problem with it being an auto. The auto's have a cast crank and the manual's have a forged crank. I paid $21,700 for mine new with 32 miles on the clock with A-plan and rebates.
***** what the banks say first off, you have to realize that. They're gonna quote you a whole sale price and no one, but the auctions typically, are gonna sell a car for wholesale price. Thats why its called "Trade in Value". If you want a realistic visual of what the car is worth don't play around with that Kelley Blue Book crap, get on the NADA site and check it out for yourself and decide from there. 9.5 outta 10 dealers use NADA. Just remember, a deal isn't always in the price, its in the car too, you gotta love the car.
i paided 25k for my 04 with just under 11k miles about a month ago, auto, bluebook was 26XXX on it when i looked... oh well 20k or 25k i still love my car the same!