He's right, that's being cheap. The figures are priced what they are because that's the price people are paying, even here. The least expensive I've seen them go for is $400, but that was more out of financial desperation. Generally, even here, they float between $600-$800.
I got a loose AVP Elder for well under $300 a couple weeks ago...
It really depends on whether or not you buy 'em used. MIB, then yeah, the price'll pack an unavoidable wallop. Add eBay to the mix and your wallet will be drained.