Is buying a 1988 le baron for $1000 with 244k miles on it worth it?

Lets just say it's a big risk. Do you have $1K to lose? You will need to have at least $1k sitting around for necessary future repairs. If your broke, a car is the last thing I would purchase. You need the money to pay your loans. My suggestion would be to ride your bicycle and or car pool?

yeah, even IF the engine and tranny were taken care of meticulously, other parts would wear out on ya left and right. (wheel bearings, struts, anything on the accessory drive, etc) which would be ok (i guess if u REALLY wanted the car) if u did your own work to it.