[a/s] HELP! H/W Heater Advise

[Bearcatcher0702@xxxxxxx]

I'm having problems with my hotwater heater...it seems its the electrode and 
the ignitor.  I've been told that for what it would cost to replace both of 
those (cheap in themselves but the labor would drive it way up), I'd be 
better of just buying a whole new hot water heater.  I've found a place (a 
bone-yard) where I can get a brand new one "in the box" for $155.  
Does anyone have any suggestions or advise on this?  I really need to hear as 
much as I can so I can sort through it b/c I'm getting it fixed one way or 
the other before July 4th.