hey brick nuts! got a question that I've been itching to ask but never got around to asking it because it's so depressing. here it is.

my transmission is dead, D E A D--dead! many months back I posted some questions about thranny whizzing and whirling noises. I was able to drive my car for another 500 odd miles before one day I went to my car to move it and the tranny would not even engage. so my car has been sitting in my parkway for over 2 months. every now and then I would put the car in N and push it one car length fore or aft so as to not let any flat spots develop on the tires. and every once in a long while (pretty much when I remember to or feel like it) I will start the car and let it idle for about 5 minutes to lube things up. I have also covered the windows except for the cargo windows. my rotors look rusted and I can't rub them off because I can't drive the car and use the brakes. just what is the proper way to "store" a car? how long should I let the engine idle for a car that I can't drive? I guess that's more than one question. :)

ok, for a bonus question. I live in southern california and have received quotes of $600 to $1100+ for a transmission swap. I know many of you folks have said it would be a lot cheaper to go to a junk yard myself and then have a shop do the swap. I don't have the means or the know-how to confidently pick a tranny from a junk yard. so, I will have to put my trust in a volvo shop. what is the average cost of a tranny swap? I need some figure to work with so I won't have that "I've been ripped-off" feeling later on. thanks guys!