cumminsnut, you might be amazed to find some "parts" cars out there for $100-$500. If you get even one replacement piston out of the engine, then everything else on the car is almost free.

The person I bought my car from also had an '83 TD parts car for $250 including storage space. I did not take it since I was also new to MB diesels and did not see the need for an old nonrunning car. I'm really kicking myself in the butt for not taking it, but if I see a deal like that again, I'll jump on it for sure!