There's axles and there's axles Matt. I suspect what your friend meant was that IF you choose to replace all the bearings and invest in a new crown wheel and pinion and possibly pay someone to build it for you etc etc you can easily spend a thousand quid or as much as you like really. Unfortunately the greedy and ill-informed take this to mean that ALL A7 axles are worth £1000+ irrespective of completeness or condition, hence ludicrous offerings from spivs on eBay.
p.s. People have been breaking cars for parts almost since cars were invented! And yes indeed owners do very wisely stash parts away.
p.s. People have been breaking cars for parts almost since cars were invented! And yes indeed owners do very wisely stash parts away.