Or just make it easy and get a late model Jeep Cherokee with the inline 6. cheap, easy to work on and bullet proof engine and drivetrain. mileage will be pushing 20. Parts are everywhere since they basically didn't change them alot for almost 20 years. Can you get any more american than a Jeep? The inline 6 is a great engine, lots of torque, decent mileage and will run 200,000+ miles if cared for at all. Not to mention they hold their value better than exploders.
Good luck selling the car, if you weren't so far away I'd come take a look at it.