My opinion is... I think your too far committed to give up now!
Just think, one way to look at it is... once you get it up to par, it will be a brand new car again
. I understand your hardship, but once my 01' got a new water pump, brakes, tires, thermostat, heater, front engine fan; I have been maintenance free for over a year now...."knock on wood."
Your pain is normal ownership, and still "less" maintenance than our wives lol
All relationships are tough at first....keep your 02' alive and running!