$2,500 for the data logging capabilities that the I-Dash system has is a pretty good deal. I am currently trying to push through a capital request to spend over $50K to upgrade the data loggers in each of the 5 dyno cells here at work. On-vehicle stuff gets even more expensive. I had over $80K into a data logger at a past employer. That unit could take over 200 channels of data, had a 6 axis GPS unit, and could read the entire vehicles CAN-bus all at once. End up with so much data you wouldn't know what to do with it.
I did just purchase an older SOMAT data logging unit for my personal use. I may have to give Digi-Key a call and get some sensors coming and wire up the old IDI.....