Stop in for a cup of coffee

I don't have a core. The PO took it off to repaint the dash and it didn't get thrown in on the deal. A swap meet core probably costs $100 or so and a few hundred more to have it redone. I will probably just bite the bullet for a new one.
Price for parts sure went up in price in the last 4 or 5 years. I'm wondering if I can even afford to restore another car.