Is it cheaper to keep fixing my old car or just buy a new one at this point?

This is the classic car ownership dilemma. Let me break down the math: **Cost to keep your Accord:** - Past year repairs: $2,800 - Estimated upcoming: $2,000-3,500 (struts + potential trans work) - Insurance/registration: Lower than a newer car - No car payment: $0 **Cost of a newer car:** - Down payment: $3,000-5,000 typically - Monthly payment: $400-600 for something reliable - Higher insurance: $50-100 more per month - First year cost: $8,000-12,000 minimum **The rule I use:** If repair costs exceed 50% of the car's value in a single repair, consider replacing. You're at $2,800 on a $5,500 car - getting close. **However, consider this:** - Honda Accords regularly hit 200k+ miles - You know your car's history - New cars are overpriced right now - A $3,500 repair is still cheaper than $10k+ first year on a new car **My advice:** Get a second opinion on the transmission. If it's just preventive maintenance vs actual problems, fix the struts and keep driving. If the trans is actually failing, that's your sign to move on. Whatever you decide, start putting that "car payment" into savings now. You'll need it eventually either way.