I bought my 73 in 84, for a $1000. Since then I have driven it 400,000 miles on 3 engines, 4 transmissions and 3 rearends. The frame has been welded up 3 times, due to abusing it in the desert. Last Dec, I drove it to Texas and back a 3000 mile round trip with no problems. It needs some bodywork and paint, along with a new A/C setup. However I still don't have anywhere near 25 grand in it.
I have however in the last few years, started using a Harley for a DD.