Escamillo--KEEP IT!! If you love it, keep it until it dies (like a pet). I have a 1969 Chevy Camaro, V8 350, which was (basically) totaled when it came into my life over 15 years ago. Nobody believed it was worth the effort, and it still isn't totally restored even today, but he's my baby. Everything's been replaced body-wise and mechanically, except the rocker panels, trunk lid and one door. Living in New York, where they keep the road salt companies in business, hasn't helped, though I don't drive it in the winter anyway. I have been offered money (not much) but I will not part with this car, EVER. With access to the web, you should be able to find used parts. Most Chevy stuff is stock, interchangeable, and still available. Also, there's a company in California, Classic Industries, that has orignal and NOS stuff, anything you want. Good luck. Keep it running.

Besides that wonderful piece of machinery, I've had a 1965 Bug, that wouldn't quit, until the floors rotted out in 1986. And my 1986 Toyota pick-up, which I got from a friend 7 years ago. 266.000 miles and still the most reliable, problem-free vehicle around. The bed is shot (same NY winter/over- salting problem), but check this out--the water pump went at 170,000, and I decided maybe it was time to change the (ORIGINAL) belts. Aah...I love my vehicles, regardless of gas mileage or what they look like.

My solution to the high cost of repairs is to do all the work myself (I'm a girl), and I have been since, probably, 1984. I don't think I'll ever get a new vehicle. It seems that older ones are more durable and reliable. (My latest is a 1959 Nash Metropolitan, which is at the beginning of a ground-up restoration.)

So I guess I don't really know what cars to avoid--I've been pretty fortunate in my driving history. Don't overheat 'em and change the oil every 3000 miles, that's all I can add.

M