Leasing vs buying

[Porkchop]

So heres the deal. I have an 02 Ford Taurus, 78k miles, and the thing is going downhill very fast. The tranny is going out, weird shaking and pulsing. The back springs are broken (common Taurus problem). The back wheel wells are rusting out (common Taurus problem). The front suspension makes clunking sounds because they are made with cheap plastic parts (common Taurus problem ). If the tranny really is going out, is it worth putting that much money back into a car thats only worth a couple grand? Is it worth getting all I can NOW out of it on a trade in?

Heres the other problem. In my current job I only make about $1100 a month. That might be changing very soon with the completion of my second degree, as I am applying for a real job. Do I get into a cheap lease right now? Do I buy hoping that I do get a better paying job? Do I run the current car into the ground as long as possible and hope I dont die in a giant fireball in the process???

What do you think????