[Superman]

You're right. It would cost much more than $12K.

This windshield repair might cost $2000. The turbo engine in that car is probably most useful as a boat anchor. Rebuilding it would cost around $10,000. There are other body rust issues. They would run a few more thou. At least. Proper body repair, altogether, would be several thou. Paint alone would be a few more thou. And so on.

I'm suggesting that the cost of operating this car, repairing things as they broke down, and slowly restoring her (him, I guess), even without the body and paint work, would cost you many thousands of dollars in addition to the tow bills you would have from the times you were stranded.

Are you familiar with the term "polishing a turd?" All you end up with is a shiny turd.