Jack - ouch!  My heart goes out to you.  Cars falling apart is frustrating, and indeed, no small expense.

A couple small thoughts that may provide a bit of encouragement:

1.  Life often delivers unexpected good stuff, too.  Let’s hope in your case, it happens sooner rather than later.  As in, the next month or two.  You may find Kat’s post, above, heartening.  It’s quite a turn around!
2.   Have you heard of auto brokers?  It’s a pretty new industry:  people do for autos, what mortgage brokers do for mortgages.  I know in the latter case, they honestly do save you a chunk of change, by getting the best deal for you (they have more clout than a mere homebuyer).  I imagine the same applies to auto brokers.  Contact me if you want a reference.

Fingers crossed for you.