2002 Mercury Villager 2002 Mercury Villager Catalytic Conve

I have an '02 Mercury Villager with just over 93K miles. We've had the usual issues associated with this model involving the ignition timing and distributor. This last time the plug wires were bad, and after the dealer dealt with that we were informed the front catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. The cat is integral to the exhaust manifold, so I am looking at in excess of 2K to do the repair. Unfortunately, it will take months for me to save that kind of dosh, and I've checked with every shop willing to do the job and no one has come in under two thousand dollars for an estimate.

As stated by the dealer, the check engine light came back on for the cat error code after about 100 miles, they had cleared the codes before giving back the vehicle.

I need to know if I am going to be able to limp the van along for several months until I can get the cash together for the repair or a replacement vehicle. I also need to know warning signs of eminent disaster regarding a manifold-mounted cat failing.