Unfortunately, around the same time the show began to offer extravagant Showcases and reduce the average amount spent during the pricing games on vehicles.
The result is what you see today, a game that is a shell of its former self.
Not necessarily. At the risk of spending other people's money, simply offer a higher-end car, say a < $20,000 Accord, or don't allow the possibility of a high-range card with a low-end compact car.
The game still works, but a range of as much as $5,000 makes it way too simple, considering a fair portion of the cars offered still go for between $15,001-20,000. Unless you're doing a primetime show, the max range should be $2,500, but make damn sure the car you're offering goes for $17,501 or more.
/Or keep the $5,000 card and make sure the cars sell for $20,001 and up