Uh, maybe it's different over in Canada, but here it's $17,000 US dollars for a 160hp Lancer. The cheaper versions are 130hp. At least according to Mitsubishi's site.
The Civic Si has a 1.6l DOHC VTEC motor, good for 160hp with an 8000rpm redline. By every account I've ever read it's an awesome engine, very popular for swapping into other Civics, although the 99-00 Sis came with them standard.
In addition you get four wheel discs, four wheel double wishbone suspension, and just an all around superb car. That and being fairly rare would be the reason for the high resale prices. Like I said I had a 91 Si and I didn't have a single complaint with the car. I've also driven a Miata and I own an MR2, and honestly being front wheel drive really isn't bad at all.
edit: Also, in Canada I'm pretty sure you guys call out Civic EX the Civic Si, and our Civic Si the Civic SiR. I don't know if they were doing that back in 2000, but if they were, the car he is talking about would be the Civic SiR up there.