Matthew,

You are in one of life's adventure's that when you look back on it, will be an interesting story on how and not how to do things. Good Luck in your adventure! I have had several of my own, as have others here reading your story and it's hopefully successful, in $$$$ terms, ending.

The car is in great shape, yes? You may have to put an engine and maybe some other repairs, now, to get home. If you have found a good group of people--sounds like they're interested in helping situation, even though they are an MB dealer, you may have hit the JACK-POT, because you will get the problem(s) fixed correctly now, and save yourself further grief, later. It may be cheaper other than fixing it yourself! You should have found a good gang like this and done a Pre-purchase inspection, and you may have avoided this and negotiated a price reduction, on the price and payed for part of the costs to repair it. 20/20 hindsight is great, isn't it? It's only money and your time, you are safe and the car can be repaired, it will work out OK. I wish I could help you, being in Michigan, but my health precludes this.

I don't know how many back and forth trips you will need to make, but you may want to find an older cheap and sound car to buy at your hometown of Green Bay, for this and when you are done, you can sell it in Youngstown, and not be out too much, as it will save on travel fares and wear and tear on your other car or friend's car. I've done it. A HD pickup and car trailer, if you or your pals own one will cost you as much in fuel costs driving back and forth, than buying a cheaper older car, like a corolla, civic, escort, etc.

Please keep us updated on this adventure. Something GOOD will come out of this.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas.