Achoo, what to do?? dumb title, serious questions

Hey y’all,
Want the community opinion on what to do here...I’ve got a ‘99 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Auto V6;
~180k miles, sweet 90s green, and in fair condition, albiet with some bad memories vis a vis my ex...

It’s already blown the water pump and head gasket and valve covers are leaking real good. I can’t fix this myself, and a shop I know to be reputable (if a tad pricey [high rent neighborhood, long term employees]) says 3700 bucks. That's for a re-man on the heads, new water pump/timing belt group, and labor. It also needs suspension, some new paint, and certainly new keys, but that's beside the point, I reckon.

Since it blew up the pump, and since I've finally gotten around to dealing with it, the price of used cars has sky rocketed, right!? Previously I would have just sold this truck and gotten another one. Especially considering the aforementioned misty water colored memories.
Alas, it seems I'm gonna be stuck driving this haunted truck around...but it needs serious work and I don't know where to begin. Like, should I fix it or sell it?

Who wants to it?? 10 grand and a trailer takes it home! I'll even charge the battery and wash it for you. I'm in Hollywood California, not far from the Arby's on Sunset. Call when you get off the freeway.

For real though, what should i do here?
Should I find a slightly cheaper place to have the major service done?
Should I buy a whole reman motor and have it installed?
Should I buy a used motor and have it installed? If that, then should I have the same work done to that used motor as I would to the motor I already have?
What else haven't I thought of? (If my mom is out there, no I have not thought of settling down.)

Hope to get some advice from you people, thanks!
Happy 4th (observed)!!

T

 

Sell it to me. I’m looking to do a diesel conversion.

 

Well......toss all the nonsense aside....

Go with a reman engine. Then tackle the suspension. Paint is minor, keys are less minor. Or try to trade/sell it for another ride.

You can drive an ugly on worn suspension, but none of it is any good if the engine doesn't run.

Primary, engine
2ndary, suspension
3rd, paint & key.

Frankly, by the sound of the condition...$10,000 would be a stretch.

 

Only you can make the call.

You know what you can afford .

How much if any coolant was in the oil ??

IF you can`t do the work a remanufactured engine might be the way to go look at some prices.

 

It's for sale, Jr!

 

Oh it's for sale Jr! And hey, the price has just been reduced to 9998.95!! Plus your choice of a night on the couch or air mattress when you fly out here to get it.

 

Ha! I know its high, but don't tell Jrallan. Copy you on the reman engine.