I agree with you about emotions playing a big part. I just got a 2001 Proton and I wasn't really in the market to buy a car yet. The way I figured it, since there were less than 400 2001 protons made, finding one that had less than 35k miles, some nice aftermarket mods, overall mint condition AND it was only 2.5 hours away, it was a chance of a lifetime. I paid $17900. Some may thing that's high, I'm convinced it was a bargain.

Good luck in your search.