I bought a used Nikon LS 2000 on eBay about 3 years ago for $500 (U.S.). I'll bet they are a lot less now. It does a nice job at 2720 dpi.
This is probably your best route. Although I haven't shot any film since last September, I am keeping the scanner. Like you, I have many oldies to scan, and I don't think I am entirely done with film yet. So it will hang around for occasional use.
Joe