To fix or not to fix my engine leak(s)?

I have an '88 Chrysler LeBaron GTS. The engine runs strong and makes no noise, has never broken down, however it has been leaking oil for years and recently the leaking got much worse. Last year, I had the gasket around the top of the engine changed, it did not seem to help much. Now it needs to be changed again ... but I don't think that is the only place oil is leaking from. There is oil every where across the underfront of the car on the ground in the morning. (I have to add a quart of oil every couple weeks, which is not too bad). No one seems to want to bother to look at the other possibilities for where the oil is coming from. One mechanic told me to forget fixing any leaks and just drive the car until it dies. It's true that I should start looking for another car, but I can't believe that a car which leaks so much oil but still runs silently wouldn't last longer if I were to stop the leaks. Perhaps it doesn't make sense given the cost, but how can anyone know what the cost will be if they don't inspect to see where all the leaks are coming from? Should I forget the whole thing or should I pursue trying to find out where the leaks are coming from and stop them, if it's not too much money?

amy
May 2005