Hi fellow mustachians, I am considering buying a 2nd hand car... can't quite decide, but you may be able to talk me out of or into it.
So here is the situation. I have a 14 year old Hyunai Santa Fe. It has been a very reliable car till the last few years. It seems everything start to break down slowly, I have averaged 1-1.5K in repair each year the last 2 years, with a highly reputable, lower cost local shop. Recently with the constant noise growing louder I was told I will need a new wheel bearing soon. That plus a leak, and something else earlier this year will put this year's repair over 1K again. The car has 100K miles on it.
Never a car person so doing repair on my own is out of question. I drive my 2 very young kids around in this car so safety is paramount. I drive 5K-10K miles a year, but can't really just a get a bike and strap both kids on it.
KBB says this car would sell for 3K to a private party. I am wondering is this the point when I should start looking slowly and carefully for another car? I am thinking a used Outback or Forester, maybe 3 year old, for below 20K, which seems to be reasonable after a short scan on the Internet.
Going to the car repair shop often is not a huge hassle but it is still a hassle, but I am afraid as it gets older it may one day break down on the highway with kids in, or get us into some kind of accident if I am not diligent in keeping up with the check ups. I know that well maintained cars can drive much longer than this, but I am kind of clueless about cars and no time/and honestly no intention to learn about it right now.
What would you do in my situation? Keep this one and just keep up with the repair and maintenance, or go get a Subaru? If you suggest the latter, is there any must have/REALLY nice to have features I should look for?
Thanks!