NICE looking rig. Almost identical to (now) Mom's when I bought it in late 99, with ironically, the same miles on it. Hers isnt that clean now, though.
Hang in there. You'll get what it's worth. If someone cusses at you for refusing their ridiculous offer, offer to help them find a beater (I have 2 right now), and let them put the time and effort into getting it back to what yours is.
Mine is rough, needs paint, a clutch, transmission, possibly a head gasket (have a leak that comes and goes), and it'd still take $4-5K to take it home, depending on my mood at the time.
Daniel