Dead Puppy

[Kent McLean]

I just got a call from the mechanic regarding the fuel
leak in my 200 TQ. As mentioned by the list, the most
common problem is rusted out fuel lines. In my case,
it isn't so simple. The tank is rusted.

To replace it, according to the mechanic, you have to
drop the rear end (10-12 hours labor), then you have
to source a tank (~$500 used, ~$750 new), maybe update
the fuel pump (which was replaced not long ago). His
estimate is $1500. As much as it pains me, I may have
to put her to sleep.

Q. Is it worth $1500 to save a car that's worth maybe
    $3000? Except for this, the car is/was in great shape.
    I've put about $3000 into it over the last two years.

This also puts a damper on my thought of a V8. Or maybe
it just forces the issue. I was hoping the sale of this
one would help toward the purchase of a V8, but it won't
help much.

Heartbroken,
Kent
'89 200 TQ, "Dead Puppy"