Trying to decide if I should keep my old car or finally replace it.

My 2008 Honda Civic started making a bad noise on the highway last week. I was driving home from my shift, and it sounded like metal grinding. Pulled over, but nothing looked wrong. Took it to my local mechanic, Joe. He said the repair would be about $1,200. The car has 180,000 miles on it. I don't know if putting that much money into it is smart. But a new car payment would be way more per month. I'm stuck between fixing what I know or starting over with something new. Has anyone else faced a big repair bill on an old car? What did you end up doing?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesley_fox923mo ago

What exactly is the $1,200 repair for? That's a key detail. If it's for something like a new transmission, that's a different story than if it's for brakes and a wheel bearing. Knowing the specific problem helps weigh if the fix is a long term solution or just a band-aid.

elizabeth_jackson3mo ago

You're right about needing the details. I once paid for what I thought was a major fix, only to find out it was for a fancy cup holder. A clear breakdown from the mechanic saves everyone from looking silly later.

alex_hall911mo ago

Totally been there, man. With a Civic at that mileage, $1,200 is a harsh pill, but like @elizabeth_jackson said, you gotta know exactly what that money is buying. If Joe is quoting you for the timing belt and water pump, or a transmission that's on its way out, then that repair is probably just a temporary fix before the next big thing breaks. On the other hand, if it's for a new alternator and some suspension work, those parts will last another 100,000 miles easy. I'd say get the full list of what's being replaced, then weigh that against how long you plan to keep the car. If you can get two more years out of it for $1,200, that's a steal compared to any new car payment.