Why is it so hard to find a 97' or newer diesel VW?

These fuel prices are KILLING me & I really want to reduce my carbon footprint! And this next semester I have to drive 45 minutes (each way) to go to my cles! I did some research & the diesel VWs are the way to go (44 MPG!). But "IF" you can find them people are asking ridiculous prices for em. Today I saw a 99' with over 145K miles on it and they were asking $13K for it!!! Get outta here! I've searched Ebay, CarMax, Yahoo Autos....ugh, anyone know of any secrets? I'm about to start looking overseas, maybe I can get one shipped for under a grand!