oh3stang

I know where you are coming from. I bought my car for $1000 with a blown engine. I got a hook up with a free engine I installed myself. The car could use new front seat covers, top, sits too low up front so springs, possible rear window motors. it adds up and likely getting close to value of the car. I've chosen to live with some of the issues its not worth it for me to dump the money into this car. The car looks nice and does what I need it to. For me I prefer older cars pre 70 and do the work myself and come out ahead.They don't lose their value like these newer cars. Its all about what you like and comfortable living with.

sv650lex

I don't think you can really count tires and oil change in the dumping money into it price. That's general maintenance that any car needs. If you can do some of the work yourself it will save you a ton of money.

A set of corbeaus with mounting brackets can be had for under a grand. That seems like a better deal then over $600 to repair the drivers seat.

Plus if you keep the car nice for another 40 years it will be a collector. At that point it might almost be worth what you've spent on it. LOL

DeathRattle

Basic maintenance (tires, oil change, brakes, etc) doesn't count...as already mentioned. They'll just help you sell it faster. As far as putting money into it, you have to consider some of the prices you're paying. If you're super picky on a car as old as these, then you're gonna end up spending twice to three times more money than you have to.

Oil change and check-up - DIY for less than $50.

Tires - Depending on brand...did you try Tire Rack?

Intake manifold, 1 coil, and spark plugs - No offense, but how did you end up paying $850 for that? You could have got all those items for less than $200...probably less than $150 if you got the IM used. Add another $40 for the gaskets and you still would have saved about $600. And the install is easy. DEF a DIY job. Many of us could have walked you through it.

Driver's seat and seat covers - Thats a Craigslist/Ebay find for the seat. Auto Zone for the seat covers. Find a wrecked Mustang or one being parted out and you'll get the seats dirt cheap.

Headlights - again, Craigslist/Ebay. You can get both of them for $50 or less.

Tuner - Buy used and get them all day for $150 shipped.

See, some of these prices you're paying are too high. I love my car, but I'm not above finding used parts and saving money. End of the day, you might be throwing away a LOT of money. Especially if you're planning on keeping the car forever. With those miles and considering how old she is, start shopping around. If it had like 50K miles and you wanted to keep it all original, then that's one thing. But in your case, save yourself some money. Because you're gonna have lots of problems that are gonna keep popping up.