I understand the comment Paul, but in essence Pk2 is right. Where I am in life... lets see Im a full time college student who also worked a full time job to support myself, well.. I did work until the 1st of July when I got laid off. Its been 2 months and havent been able to find a job. So currently, Im on a small fixed income with expenses and can not afford to not have a car.. yet I would barely be able to afford the "correct fix."
Now do you see the catch 22 im in? I need my car to get to school, but I cant really afford an expensive repair as of "right now." If I still had my job or gain a new position, I wouldnt hesitate to replace it with a new one and be done with it.
Let me look into your ideas Pk2, it sounds like it could work.
Adam