Rob,

Thanks for the input. It sounds like you know what you're talking about. I have some follow-on questions:

It looks like I can get that parts I need for routine maintenance (T-belt, hoses, filters, tensioner, etc.) for around $300 online prices. With a DIY service job, that should get the car going for the moment. The long term solution probably would be to sell it and get a Camry or Saturn or something for her.

I'm curious about what you mean by the remark about the "$2400 top-end engine rebuild". I guess I assumed that with 200k miles the most likely problem would be worn cylinders and crank bearings. Are you implying that the limiting factor on the life of this engine is more likely to be something in the heads? If so, what would be the likely cost of having the heads reworked by a machine shop if I took them off? Surely less than $2400? (Unless it's like my 960).

And what do you see as being included in the $800 "going over"? Is that just the maintenance I'll be doing with the $300 in parts for the T-belt, tensioner, seals, water pump, and misc. belts, hoses, and filters?

Thanks again for your input.

Robert