It was a great car...I bought one new in 1981 and drove the wheels off it for 13 years.

Head gasket replacement is pretty common- overheat or not. I had a Callaway Turbo kit installed on mine and really did it all up!...(I haven't changed much in 26 years!) It was a really durable, economical daily flogger.

Fuel mileage for me averaged 38 to 40 city and 47 to 50 hwy (with the 4 spd) From 1981 to 1984 the final drive ratios for both the 4 and 5 spds were the same, but the 4 speed had wider spaced ratios and it took longer getting up to speed...the 5 was the better choice overall.

If it really is as nice and solid as you say, it MAY not be a terrible deal...I have seen some UNBELIEVABLE prices on E-Bay for these things...a couple weeks ago I saw one in decent shape, just a little rust, and 150k miles go for $4k!!! Thats 50% of the price when it was new!!