For my case, I dont really love the non-turbo wagon that much. My passion goes towards other machines. However, the refrigerator-like reliability of the car appeals to my need for a simple and reliable means of transportation that I can park anywhere, go anywhere (literally), and require so little maintenance. A turbo version would put the whole powertrain to more stress and will require more attention, not the car one would need if pure utility was the focus.

I think $2900 is just about right, might even be more than what the car is worth. Sounds like a lot of things have been left to die by the PO, plus probably some more things that will need to be undone.

alex
84 240 (non-turbo, 250k) in Los Angeles (where owning one of these makes people ask you WHY??)