Help me decide whether to keep my 2014 car

[Anonymous]

I have a 2014 Subaru Forester with 90k miles on it. Every year it needs about $600 to $800 of work - I'm getting new rear brakes today. It might need new tires later this year. I've heard the engine can need replacing at 100k miles on this particular year/model.

This is the family car for camping, visiting grandma, going to Costco. It's also my commuter into the city once a week. It drove 12k miles in the last two years. Our other car is an older sedan that just gets driven around town as a secondary car. Oldest kid is 11, so a third car is some ways off.

Carvana puts the trade-in at $10k, which I think is optimistic. I've priced newer used cars to replace it (Subaru or Toyota SUVs) and I'm looking at $30 to $40k which is definitely uncomfortable.

Even though major repairs are expensive, it still seems more cost-effective to repair than replace. Are there factors I'm not thinking of? How long would you keep a car?

[Anonymous]

Rear brakes and tires are just regular maintenance- all cars need that from time to time. I think you need to separate the thought that “this car is old and needs a lot of work” from “cars need regular work”.

Also, you drive so little that “normal” lifespan / mileage may not really apply…. Though it might also position you well for a trade in.

[Anonymous]

We just paid 3000 for regular maintenance needs of our 2016 Toyota (including new tires this time). Your expenses seem low.

[Anonymous]

Your maintenance expenses are not high. We plan to keep any car for 20 years. We would vary only if a single repair expense exceeded value of the car.

[Anonymous]

You have the luxury right now of driving a vehicle while beginning to look on the side for a newer one.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the input. I do understand cars require maintenance, but I am trying to figure out the point at which it's a waste of money on the old car, as compared to getting a new car.
For example, let's say the engine does die at 100k miles and engine replacement is $8k. That's probably the value of the car ... but a lot cheaper than a new car.
If you wouldn't do that replacement, then does that affect how willing you are to replace tires or other systems in the years leading up, again as compared to a new car (not as compared to driving with bald tires).

[Anonymous]

600-800 a year is nothing. I think you're way overthinking that you read that some cars of that model MIGHT need a new engine at 100k miles which by your estimate is another year or two, and then speculating on the price of the new engine vs the value of the car. If it were me, I would wait until that actually happens, and I have an actual estimate of the repair cost and then decide.

Also, personally I buy new, keep the car in excellent condition, and drive it until it's pretty much dead. Just replaced a 98 Corolla with a 2024 and my 2008 Camry is going strong. I don't think it's cost effective to buy used if you're going to stress about maintenance and repairs.

[Anonymous]

I keep my cars until I drive them into the ground. My current car is a 2011 with 98k miles. I have no plans of getting rid of it anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your maintenance expenses are not high. We plan to keep any car for 20 years. We would vary only if a single repair expense exceeded value of the car.

+1 It's why I'm driving a 2009 Acura MDX. Great car!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep my cars until I drive them into the ground. My current car is a 2011 with 98k miles. I have no plans of getting rid of it anytime soon.

My 2009 Acura MDX has 114,000 miles. Great car that has needed very little work other than basic maintenance.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2014 Forester and I am going to drive it into the ground.

[Anonymous]

Almost always smarter to repair & keep chugging

[Anonymous]

I have a 2015 and 2017 Foresters that I intend to keep until I am faced with a very expensive repair. I get mine serviced by an independent mechanic, not the rip-off dealers. Recommend you replace the tires and keep driving yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 2015 and 2017 Foresters that I intend to keep until I am faced with a very expensive repair. I get mine serviced by an independent mechanic, not the rip-off dealers. Recommend you replace the tires and keep driving yours.

Another note: the costs to renew the registration and car insurance also must be taken into account. My Foresters are economical in that regard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks for the input. I do understand cars require maintenance, but I am trying to figure out the point at which it's a waste of money on the old car, as compared to getting a new car.
For example, let's say the engine does die at 100k miles and engine replacement is $8k. That's probably the value of the car ... but a lot cheaper than a new car.
If you wouldn't do that replacement, then does that affect how willing you are to replace tires or other systems in the years leading up, again as compared to a new car (not as compared to driving with bald tires).

New engine, no get rid of it. Tires, brakes and general stuff keep.