I replaced my supposedly original brass/copper 3-row after a small fiasco with a plastic/aluminum and have never looked back. The all-metal radiator was overheating, so I had it rodded/repaired. It still overheated, and worse yet, the new volvo coolant ate the solder right out of the thing >.<

I've never had overheating problems with the aluminum/plastic radiator, but I do wish it were all aluminum. The plastic will get brittle over time and will eventually fail. I think the usual estimate for life is 10-15 years. 8 is being a bit premature, but I guess it wouldn't hurt.

Second on getting a cheap new one over a shop looking at a used one. The shop cleaning for mine was about 60 or 80 bucks. A new radiator can be had for <$150. I got one for my brother's camry for like $110 delivered from 1-800-radiator.

Cheers!