Details:
-2004 Civic
-45K miles on it when purchased 4.6 years ago.
-113K miles currently.
-The loan has been paid off for a couple years now.
-Blew a head gasket at 70K miles (DOHC engine).
-New tires a year ago.
-AC compressor just went and is almost 1K to fix.
-Unsure what will break next (timing belt replaced when head gasket was replaced).
-I don't do my own auto work, other than very minor distributor cap/fuel filter/battery work etc.
I largely work from home now, and rarely drive to work, although when I do it's 70+ miles round trip. This arrangement could go away randomly, or if I change jobs.
I'm considering moving back to an area with better transit, so I can train or bus to work in Seattle if I change jobs, though most of the tech jobs have been on the east side. I think if I changed and wasn't desperate, I'd hold out for a government job. More job security, pension, and public transit to get me to Seattle, vs. working for meat grinder consulting company on the east side sitting in brutal traffic.
So given the above facts, should I keep the car as things are beginning to go, or sell and get another used car? I can get a Hyundai or Honda 2012-2014 with 30-45K miles for about 13K + tax. I could sell my Civic for about 4K currently.
I feel like I should get rid of it before another head gasket issue. Apparently this model/year is notorious for this.