Car debate: to buy or not to buy

[zaratekid86]

Hey guys I have a questions for y'all.

my girlfriend has a 2004 nissan xterra that is on its way to death. the car just had to have a new tranmission and is slowly sounded worse and worse. should she ride this baby till its dead or trade it in and get what we can for it.

here is where is kind of gets interesting. my girlfriend is 24 and in my mind spoiled since the car is paid for, its in her dads name and he paid for the repairs, but  he still pays for insurance and ez tag which we use randomly. 

so basically she has a free car minus the gas she has to put in it. but if we  keep it till it goes kaut we could lose out on about 3000$ trade in value.

thanks guys

[lbmustache]

What kind of car are you thinking of getting if you sell the Nissan?

[zaratekid86]

i found a 2003 taours weagon that is 2500$

[FI40]

Seems like you should get some input from her Dad, since he's involved financially. I know if I were him, I probably would want to make that decision with her (not involving you). Not to be a dick, but just put yourself in his shoes.

[Sjalabais]

As long as everyone's okay with your dad paying all these bills, it is not a financial decision at all, is it?

Car-wise, trading an old Nissan for an old Ford will hardly make a difference. Why not look for something reliable and fuel-efficient? A Corolla or Civic maybe?