Stick or twist?

[shed driver]

I'm currently pootling around in the ex's 52 plate Punto 1.2. I've recently put on 4 new tyres and got an MOT and 12 month's tax just before Xmas. Shortly after that it needed a new sump - apparently they are made of weetabix!

I've come out to see it sitting in a gently shimmering lake of oil (well, a few drops anyway) - it isn't the sump, that's bone dry - I'm told that it's the front crank case oil seal.

So, having spent several hundred pounds - probably the value of the car - should I unleash the power of man-maths and get something more reliable exciting.

Local independent has a Saab 9-5 3.0 V6 TiD, or an Alfa 156 Sportwagon 2.4JTD. Both come in within budget - although I'm worried that bar room tales of wallet raping bills on the Saab and horrendous build quality on the Alfa may put me off. They've got other stuff, but these two caught my eye as almost pocket money motors to buy - not sure about running though!

Could stick with the Punto - repair it or play Russian roulette with it, or chop it in as a runner with a twelve month ticket?

Current motoring is about 13-15000 a year, motorways to commute to work, couple of long trips to Wales and Scotland with the kids etc.

Also, being single a punto isn't too much of a Fanny-magnet.

SD.