97 eclipse, GST, 160,000 miles - how long will it last?

Hello everyone, O.k. got a question for all that can help. i've had my eclipse for about 4 years, and when i bought it from a dealership in utah - it broke down on the 3rd day, I was unable to return it, cause utah did'nt have a lemon law, so I've been working on all kinds of repairs, from engine to the leaking unworking convertible top. It's doing o.k. right now but I'v invested over 10,000 dollars into repairs alone, no upgrades.

My question to all is, when will the engine go dead on me? It has 160,000 miles, and i just recently replaced the crank shaft positioning sensor, it's running good, but the heater just decided to not work, check engine light does'nt turn off, even tho i already replaced the the part for the engine code (i'v reseted the code). How many miles does a 1997 Mits eclipse GST last? I know it depends on how well the owner took care of it (oil changes & minor repairs) but just in general, has anyone heard of eclipse like mine reaching 200,000? Should I sell this one before it dies on me again? Or should i start saving for a new engine? and how much would that cost me?

thanks for any input.  

dammit....i just had this long write-up answering you and i lost it and i dont feel like trying to write it all again.
 
But to simplify it, yea ive seen them go over 200k and every car is different, but depending on the miles that were on it when you bought the car, i dont think id want to keep it too much longer to find out how long the engine will last. I guess it depends on how attached you are to the car as well. And ask yourself if your willing to spend 2k+ to fix a major problem that could occur. When was the last time you changed the timing belt?

The timing belt was changed twice; once when I purchased the car and just 4 months ago. I've also changed sparks plugs and fuel filter about a year ago. There is a list of all the parts I replaced. Clutch kit, sensors, AC fan, water pump, Idle speed control, crankshaft position sensor with blade. Since I've invested so much into it not to include the amount I paid for it. I'm thinking about hanging on to it.

yea it sounds like youve really taken care of it. So i guess you shouldnt see any major problems....hopefully

You invested over 10k into repairs?!  I'm sorry, but that's just ridiculous.  I seriously would've just try to sell that car, and buy another eclipse with all that money.  I'm SURE you can get a damn good eclipse for under 10k.  Just my opinion.  

A car will last you for as long as you want to maintain it...Obviously if it's not maintained properly it'll blow at any time.
 

We have 188,000 on our RS, but the engine was replaced at 120,000 and full front suspension at 180,000.  It is doing fine.  If you have that on the original engine, you are doing great.  Drive it till it breaks and if you are really stuck on it, put in another engine and rebuild the clutch and go another 160,000

thanks for all the help. Alot of information appreciated.