I took the plunge. I bought it for 4K. Mechanics say it will take about 2K to get the suspension and other mechanical items up to snuff, and thats somthing I can live with.

I know I could have spent 10k on a near perfect one by taking a road trip across country, but to me it simply wouldnt be worth the time and effort.

This is the vehicle I fell in love with, and with some cash and TLC and regualar maint, I hope to love it for a long time.

Thanks to all of you, even the negativists, but this was the only option I could afford, and am so far very happy with it.