Okay, so I own a 2000 Chevy Blazer 4X4 with 162,000 miles



For one, I know I'm completely new to this.. however, I've been trying really, really hard to learn more about my vehicle.
I used to have a a two wheel drive chevy blazer, bought it with 80,000 miles and had to end up selling it due to my bad decisions as an 18 year old. It was my baby. I never, ever, had any issues. Bought a mazda and the transmission went out within 2 months. I fully regretted it so I went and bought another blazer, this time with four wheel drive so I could drive it off road..
Dude sold it to me with no coolant whatsoever in it, I didn't think to check cause he had told me he made sure all the fluids in the vehicle were up to par before he let me take it away.
In other words, two days after I purchased the Blazer I overheated it. It went all the way to 260 on the heat gauge, and as soon as the 'Check gauges" light turned on I pulled over and turned it off.
The engine was smoking, dad came by and helped me get coolant into it and before that we discovered that both the radiator and the extra coolant was bone dry. ( I'm pretty sure when this happened, I damaged the vehicle severely) Cause then after I got The coolant system flushed (a week after I Over heated it) and even replaced the R&R valves.. hoses continue to break and leak coolant. On top of my engine there is a small pool of coolant.
Mechanics keep telling me that it's residual coolant from the original leak but.. after two months?? (You'll see in the above photos)
I don't think so. I feel like I may have damaged the inner manifold gaskets and the temp gauge. I constantly after about a week or so have to put more coolant in. It wont be bone dry,however, it will be low. I make sure to drive it only short distances(To and from work period).
But I'm curious about what everyone else thinks, I honestly wanted this to be my baby but **** just keeps happening and I'm not sure what else to do. I understand it's the nature of the beast but.. I can't help but wonder.. is it worth putting the money in to?

Thank you

-Kimmy