1) buy the carcass back for $325, that is a screaming deal, as long as you have a place to store it or room for the parts you will pull from it.  Think of all the little parts you may need one day, starter, fuel pump, alternator, mirrors, dash cluster, lights, radio, not to mention tranny, engine, seats, doors etc.

2) If I was going to buy a "new" 20 year vehicle, I would find one in California or Arizona...the drive/shipping is worth the hassle and expense if you live midwest/east/north to get a totally rust free car...after you've worked on California vehicles you are spoiled....just think, bolts don't break when you go to remove them...power steering pipes still like new....you'll never have to deal with "Titanic" (as Benny Boy says) kind of repairs.