Hyundai Repair: 1997 Elantra / fix it or ditch it + go buy a Honda next time?, remanufactured transmission, necessary repair

Question
Hi.  I purchased a Hyundai brand new off the lot in 1997.  I loved it! I drove it approximately 127,000 miles and took very good care of it the entire time while living in Atlanta.  On the 5th year of ownership I got up on a cold day in Cleveland OH started the car and began driving about 2 minutes later.  5 hours later that day I heard what sounded like a ricocheting spring under my car.  I pulled over and discovered I could no longer go in reverse.  Then as I started driving i noticed the car would not go over about 40 miles per hour without struggling.  It's been well preserved in my mothers driveway ever since.  It's been started and even driven a few miles about every year and a half.  I just came back from there a few days ago and tried to start it but now it cranks but doesn't start.  It’s a beautiful looking car (after my great detailing job).  Looks like it was just purchased off a quality used car lot. Is it worth the investment to fix it or should I just chalk it up as a loss and go buy a Honda next time?

Fix Starting Problem
Fix Transmission
New Tires
Fix Brakes
Shampoo the inside

Thank you for you help.
David
866-553-1251

Answer
I'd say you need to consider what the car is worth now, what it's worth repaired, and what it will cost to repair.  Expect to pay about $1500 to $2000 for a remanufactured transmission, which will probably be the necessary repair for your transmission woes.  Add to that the cost of tires and brakes, which you can probably estimate better than I.  

Then, consider that you don't know why it won't start.  First, check to insure that the check engine lamp comes on for a few seconds when you turn the key to the "on" position.  If so, this indicates that your computer is powering up normally and is most likely operating properly.  Also check to be sure you have fuel in the car.  Other things to check include the timing belt and whether you have spark and fuel.  Considering the age of the vehicle, and the amount of time that it hasn't been driven, it's quite possible that the timing belt stripped.  To check, remove the upper timing cover and have someone crank the engine while you look.  If the camshaft doesn't turn, you'll need to add the price of at least replacing the timing belt (and the possibility of engine damage) to your list.  If the camshaft turns, next check for spark.  Pull one of the spark plugs out insert it back into the end of the plug wire, and lay on top of the intake manifold.  Again have a friend crank the engine.  If you have no spark, you should suspect that you have a failed crank sensor to add to your list.  If the spark is okay, reinstall the spark plug and wire and pull the high pressure fuel line loose from the fuel rail.  Does fuel pump out when you crank the engine?  If not, you should suspect the fuel pump or relay.

Lastly, consider that there may be things that have deteriorated that you don't yet know about.  

At the very least, you're probably looking at $2500 to get the car back in driveable condition (using professional services).  That's already enough money to make repair questionable.  But you'll need to answer that question yourself.  I cannot tell you what's best for you.