* Type of car: A new luxury car cost far more than a new economy car. Used car prices varied even more widely based on age, make, model, and condition.
* Source of data: Different organizations might have collected data in different ways, leading to varying averages.
* Geographic location: Prices varied by region.
While precise figures are hard to come by without specifying these factors, you'll find estimates ranging from around $15,000 to $20,000 for a *new* car in the early 1990s. Used car prices would have been significantly lower, potentially ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands depending on the vehicle.
To get a more precise answer, you'd need to specify the type of car (e.g., new vs used, compact vs luxury) and consult sources like historical automotive industry data or publications from that era.