[aigel]

Sounds like the car would have been a wreck either way. Putting a new radiator, hoses and waterpump may have been a good investment, but I doubt it would have made a big difference in the outcome.

I have helped idiots (foreign grad students!) buy cheap cars (doing PPIs for them) and the same happened. At least I did my service as a favor and didn't lend them any money, but it was still very frustrating.

I would just sell the thing as is and cut my losses - at least if it were a biz. Even at home, I doubt I'd have the patience to deal with something that reminds me of a mistake.

Cheers,

George