I have a 2003 Honda Element. It is right on the edge of 200k miles, and over the past two years I have been dealing with $$$ repairs. I purchased this car in 2014 for $7k and have put about 70k miles on it (mostly long road trips to camp/bike, not daily commuting). The logical part of my brain knows that all of the repairs I have done are "wear parts" and when a car is reaching 200k it is normal for all of these things to need to be replaced. I have replaced all of the suspension, control arms, brakes, rotors, done a transmission flush, engine service, and now this year in January it got a new starter, a new CV axle on one side and I am heading to get a new ignition next week.
I am not a DIY person, so these repairs have all been done at (mostly) the same mechanic, who I trust and he does a great job. Doing things at home is not an option for me, I have severe chronic back pain, and am not interested at all. So I am *not* asking for suggestions on DIY repairs.
My thoughts right now are....I have basically replaced most of the "wear" items that you would expect for a high mileage vehicle. So...*if* the engine and transmission hold out, I would really like to push this car for another 50K miles if I can. I don't commute right now at all (because Covid) and likely won't until 2021. I don't drive my car every day, normally 2-3 times a week. I DO want my vehicle to be reliable, and that is where I start to question. Twice this year I have been stranded (starter, then ignition) and that stresses me out. I am saving for a new (used) vehicle, but the expensive repairs have stalled that progress. Is it realistic to keep driving this vehicle for a few more years? I am struggling with sunk cost...I have put this money into this car, it has brand new suspension, new starter, etc...it drives great! I don't want to get rid of it! BUT how many more $500-$1000 repairs can I swallow before it just isn't realistic anymore?