We got this mini dv about a year ago - warranty is expired

It was working fine until the film ran out and we went to replace it. We bought some film and put it in, the camera just kicked it right back out. Thinking it was bad film, we bought several more, same thing. Now we can't even put our old film in to view. Every time, it just spits the film right back out.

My son (who is better at technical stuff than me), got on Canon's chat room and got it working for a minute. The film went in and we were able to use it about 10 minutes, then, for no apparent reason, it just kicked the film back out and now, the same thing, it won't take it again.

I've tried several camera shops in the area, they all said they don't fix them, they'd have to send them out. I figured I they'd fix it the same way as my son did, it would work for a bit while they tested it, then as soon as I'd get it back, whammo....

Ideas? Would sending it somewhere be a waste of time and money? Should I just say forget it and buy a new one ($800! ), or what should I do?