Since December, after purchasing the "beater" and updating the maintenance, I have driven it in all kinds of weather, places, and conditions for 11,000 miles. It has not broken down or stranded me in all that time, although it has needed a few repairs on regular wear items that went over the edge after driving it so much all of a sudden.

So far, an alternator, a radiator cleaning, a hose clamp, a tranny service, and I think that's it. Total investment so far: $8,200.
Now it's going in Monday for its next repair, which I think is going to be a lower control arm on the left rear and to check the source of a periodic fuel smell through the vents. (Emissions? Vent tube perhaps?)
The left rear wheel has been creaking for a little over a week, and this morning I noticed some badly uneven wear on the left tire:
Right
Left
So I guess a pair of tires is now on the list with the control arm. I'm going to have the camber adjusted more neutral while its in the shop.
So that's my update. Still a blast to drive and worth the occasional teething pains.