I have a 2005 Ford Focus Wagon. It has 189K miles on it. I bought it in 2013 when it had 145K miles. I paid $3800.
Over the last 5 years, we have spent about $6800 on repairs on it. That includes brakes, but also tie rods, fuel pressure pump, a lot of stuff. Last year I spent almost 2k on repairs on it.
Now it needs the right side tie rod replaced and an alignment, est. cost 420$
I checked my records, and I had this done already on the car in 2013. The left side was replaced in 2015 and worked on again in 2017.
It also has the check engine light, they said the catalytic converter needs to be replaced, est cost: 1500.00 (I got that quote in december, didnt do anything about it.)
The car is not worth much- obviously, it needs lots of repairs, and the condition of it is not great. Exterior and interior.
I know I should replace it, right? I mean, duh? Or is it worth 400$ to squeeze some more miles out of it?
I have about 4k saved up which I could use to buy another used car. That doesnt go very far in Chicago. Ive been looking at used Prius on craigslist, the 4k and under ones either are 6-10 years old with 250k miles plus, or 10-14 years old with under 200K mileage.
I guess I could get a loan for a slightly more expensive used car, but I dont want a loan payment-could barely swing a loan payment, my budget is so tight. Which is why my car savings is so low, actually. I guess my question is:
Pay 400$ and squeeze more miles from car that really needs to be replaced sooner than later, anyway.
Rush to buy a replacement car in the next 6 days (is this even possible? Id have to move some $ between accounts or organize a loan)
Should I be getting a hybrid? or ? Its got to have 4 doors and fit 4 tall adults.
Advice?