Fix or Buy?

[Anonymous]

We have a 2012 Toyota Sienna. It has 132k miles on it. It needs an A/C repair, which is estimated to cost $4000.00. The car is fine otherwise.

My husband wants to fix it. This is 4000.00.

I want to buy a 'new' used car. This is roughly 40,000.

We have the cash.

My husband would rather keep the car given its low mileage, given that we have 3 kids that will need a car (starting in 3 years), and given that the mechanic says the car is in great shape other than this issue.

I'd rather buy a car since this one already has signficant mileage, given that we drive 5k miles every summer in it, and given that it's a primary car for us. Fixing this also doesn't up the trade-in value of the car all that much, so it isn't like we'd get the money back if we sold the car next year.

What would you do?

[Anonymous]

Since it’s cold already, maybe just wait until spring to decide!

[Anonymous]

You keep the car and fix the a/c.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You keep the car and fix the a/c.

This - there are a lot more years left on this car to bail because of A/C

[Anonymous]

I am all about keeping cars as long as I can but this is a toughy. It depends on the condition of your car.

How’s the rest of the car?
Are there any upcoming major maintenance or repairs? (Tires, brakes, etc)
Have you gotten other estimates?

If the car is otherwise in good condition and in no need of big maintenance or repair, I’d consider keeping it.

[Anonymous]

With kids entering driving age I would call it an easy "fix"

[Anonymous]

Get several estimates to repair AC, $4k sounds super high.

[Anonymous]

I would fix. Our Sienna has 230k miles and still going strong.

[Anonymous]

You just want a different car. There is no legitimately logical reason to get rid of a Toyota with 130k miles because of an air conditioning issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You just want a different car. There is no legitimately logical reason to get rid of a Toyota with 130k miles because of an air conditioning issue.

This. The OP is clearly not thinking rationally and just wants a new car.

[Anonymous]

Fix it. No brainer. 4000 is less than 40000, no?

AC has nothing to do with the life of the car. You can get another 5 years out of this car.

[Anonymous]

I would not consider 132,000 low mileage for a car. I agree, our off the air repair and buy a new car in the spring.

[Anonymous]

Fix.

Don't forget about the hefty car taxes on newer cars.

[Anonymous]

Why does the new ca have to be $40k? We just bought $26k Honda Civic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You keep the car and fix the a/c.

+1