Trust me the money you have spend is ntohing comparied to waht i go though....close to $10,000 in modifications to the motor and drivetrain and suspension
1500 in body work...and about 1000-2000 a year on repairs.
3000 for fixing a car is not that bad, and atleast you know where its been. (unlike buying a used car for 3000)
Godd luck with what you decided, but im happy with mine...so much so that im looking for another car as a daily driver...cause i got some more plans for my car.

Lupe