Can I Slam My Head Against the Wall Now?

I called a mechanic today about my car to see if I could get it in today. When I described what was going on he said he didn't need to see it. "Sounds like you blew a head gasket." He proceeded to tell me that it would cost about $1200 to fix.

So, I didn't bother taking the POS in because I'm not going to sink that much into a car that is 18 years old and has all ready cost me a ton of money and given me a mountain of grief. I really don't want to get into a loan for a car, but I don't see any other options at this point.