"" Very discouraged, because I got this car for its reliability and safety. I'm retired vet and going on my 3rd year of unemployment sans a couple of consulting gigs, so we're broke. I'm HORRIFIED this is going to be expensive. This is our ONLY transportation, as my Truck rear end went out 2 weeks ago. ""

But it is a 18 year old car that was expensive when new, not too expensive to buy used, but still needs sometimes expensive parts to fix. You really need to take a hard look as to whether this is cost effective transportation for your situation. I've seen too many people with minimal funds try to drive odd / expensive to fix cars with disastrous results. Renault Fuego / Alliance, SAAB 900 , Yugo , Eagle Premier ( Renault sold by Chrysler dealers ) , 90's Pontiac Lemans ( Opel? )

As for the head gasket, these motors leak oil from the front of the head gasket where it hits the timing cover. I'm not sure there is even a oil pressure passage at the rear of the head.

The leak might even be the oil filter housing as these have a removable cap rather than a spin on filter.