Yes, good story. I'm always amazed at how a car, for so many of us, is more
than just a car. There are times when the world seems like it's turned to
sh*t and I'll go out and do something on the Vanagon, and come back smiling.
Why this is I don't know. The flip side is that when she ain't running good,
it can wreck your life. Ever have the feeling that you're "in a
relationship" with these beasts?

If it helps, try to remember that cars are almost never investments, and
that all of them will cost you. Even if you have to do all that work to a
$2000 car, it's still better than paying interest, insurance, taxes, etc. on
a $25K SUV. At least you aren't losing money on depreciation.

The other thing I can tell you, since you're just starting out, is that
hanging on to ONE car and doing the repairs and maintenance is BY FAR the
cheapest way to own, no matter what you have to do. It might seem like
throwing $4K at an engine is a lot, but 30 years down the road you won't
even remember it. The hard part is not giving up when something newer and
better comes along...just like a relationship...