Hi, really sorry to read about your misfortune. Some of the above makes for some really interesting reading. When I bought mine, it was to enjoy her to the max. Its the 2nd one I have had. This one far better then the first. It does not bother me about the value, so long as I get as much time possible out of the LS. That's value for money to me. Others will think differently. The LS is used everyday, in all weathers, and is plastered in mud most of the time. Someone on here once said these cars are very much working cars and hate to be left stood. I have been very fortunate to have done a lot of miles and just a few hundred pounds spent on tyres, oil changes, etc. The time will come when I will have to cough up serious dough. If mine was to meet with the same fate as yours, I would be gutted. I have toyed with the idea of selling before anything goes wrong, but whats the point. The mechanic who does the maintenance for me, says just keep enjoying her. As others have said, keep looking, frustrating as it is. They are out there.
Tom