Should my mom buy a (new to her) car?

[mozar]

Here is the info from my mom:
"My car is a 2010 Hyundai Accent that I bought used in 2011. It was a certified fleet vehicle, rather than individually owned. It has 74,000 miles on it, is essential for work. Automatic transmission, everything else is manual, key entry, roll down Windows, etc.
Currently, it is under recall because of a faulty switch that prevents any back brake lights from going on when I depress th brake pedal.
Maintainence requires new brake pads, one cylinder replacement, steering wheel fluid and generally 60,000 miles service. I've replaced the transmission fluid and have regular oil changes.
Should I replace this car now, and buy one with more safety features and that will likely last more consistently over the next 5 to 10 years?
I don't have any more payments on it, but don't have the time to address more and more issues, especially unexpected problems.
Thank you!"

More info: she drives about 30 miles a day. She  makes about 25k a year doing private music lessons, and no she can't make more money.

[humbleMouse]

Sounds like a good reliable brand budget car.  Minor electrical problems have nothing to do with the engine.  I would tell her to keep it.  Sounds like she is trying to rationalize buying a different car just for the hell of it.

[mozar]

So a cylinder replacement is no big deal? How many more years could she get out of this car?
Yes she does just want to rationalize a new car. I have been telling her to hold off for a couple years. She wants some concrete reasons to keep it and I don't know anything about cars.