There are plenty of Treks and other cf bikes from the mid-90's that are still on the road. There's a reason they come with a lifetime warranty. It's because they really do last, if you take care of it. Abuse will destroy any bike, regardless of the frame material.
Heck if you want a cf frame, there are tons out there you can build a great bike for that price range.

I personally just built a Ti machine with some very nice high end Campy components for around $2,000. Not bad for a Ti machine.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1143588029

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...7&d=1143588067

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...8&d=1143588074

It took a bit of shopping, but to go to the LBS, and get a high quality Ti framed bike, with a Chorus group, cf compact crank, and integrated carbon bar/stem setup, will cost you at minimum $3,500.00. But, like I said, it can be had if you take your time, do a little work yourself, and build it to fit you, and only you. Then, it will truly be your bike, and no one elses.

I also have a full carbon road bike that weighs only 14.9lbs. The frame cost me $650.00, and I also built the bike myself. I have put it through some serious paces over the last year, and I'm not at all concerned the frame will just suddenly crack and explode while riding.