Time for a little bump! Rather keep the information here than make a new thread.
Anyhow, here is the current situation:
Car is under two recall notices due to the large GM situation that is plaguing the company. Due to this safety issue (which is being fixed by a local dealership, but parts are coming in 4-6 weeks), the cosmetic repair, seat belts acting odd in the back (sometimes they lock in place, sometimes they work properly), windows not rolling down at times, and the road noise produced by the car, the wife is wanting to look for something else. I am contemplating just attempting to fix all of the issues, which would likely run about $2,500, but the road noise would likely be present after sound deadening is added, and the window issue could also pop up again in the future (bad parts being used?).
For the last two years or so, the wife has fully supported saving quite a bit of our income, and if you take out the expense of her college education coming out of pocket, we are at a 75% savings rate (Around 50-55% if you include schooling costs).
Part of me understands the desire for a different vehicle, especially since she has been so supportive of de-cluttering, living frugally, and saving the majority of our income. But part of me doesn't want to spend the additional money on a different vehicle. I understand however, without attempting to make a justification or excuse, that mustachianism is about using your money to provide happiness in certain objects, ones that are valuable to you and your spouse.
What does the community think? Would it be wise to get something safer, better on gas, quieter, and without all of the cosmetic and functional issues and make the wife happy (probably, lol)? Or, should I attempt getting the vehicle repaired and possibly have her still disappointed in driving our vehicle?