How much is too much to pay yearly in repairs for a paid off car?

[Anonymous]

As someone who, years ago, had a monthly car payment, I appreciate being free from that financial burden. In 2018, I paid cash for a 2015 Acura TLX, and it has been a great car for me. I currently have 150,000 miles on it and would love to drive it for another 150,000. However, in the last three years or so, I have found myself spending about $2,000 annually on repairs. Just this past Saturday, I paid $450 on repairs, and I had to return today for another unexpected $125 repair.

While the car remains reliable, today's visit made me question whether it's time to start considering a newer vehicle, possibly within the next year.

After investing so much in repairs for your older car, at what point did you decide to buy a new or newer one? I take my car to the dealer. Since it's older, should I consider switching to a regular auto repair shop to save money? At what point did you stop going to the dealership for repairs?

[Anonymous]

I buy less expensive cars.

I've calculated that any car costs me about $2,500 in new vehicle price plus repairs and services a year.

Problem zones for me are when a car could have a "walk home" problem: engine, transmission, major electrical problems. Any of these at a certain point, the car becomes too risky to fix.

You can estimate how much a new car will cost you. I would say your car might be worth another 5 years. Unless it has critical problem like those above.

Repairs are expensive in the DMV. And a lot of places over-recommend work. That's typical of the industry.

[Anonymous]

PP. At 10 years, most people are not using the dealer. Also, I got 15 years and 110K miles out of a Subaru. And close to 200K on a Toyota compact. I think your car has some life in it.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, most repairs suggested by the dealer are optional and way overpriced. Of course they make you believe these repairs are urgent. I think most people who keep their cars past 10 years/ 100k miles either find an honest independent mechanic or do the work themselves. What kind of repairs have you done so far?