How hot is too hot?
 

I went and looked at an '83 for sale a couple days ago. Lady says she's had it 6 years, and was driving it every day. Engine seems to run well, although after the engine warms up, the temp gauge sits at about 3/4 of the way up the gauge. I'm a little concerned about this, as well as the fact that the car has 180,000 miles. BUT the good side is she only wants $300 for it. So it might be worth it.

Should be no more than half-way. If the body is good, $300 is a good deal. Tell her it's overheating and buy it for $200.

Then, when you get it:

Repair/replace in that order, that way you go from Cheapest fix to most expensive fix.

Cool.. thanks!