[Jaeger]

What are opinions on vehicles?
In 2021 I bought a 2011 Subaru Forester with 100k miles for 15k from a new to me dealer and it wound up having several issues.

Mechanic has quoted 6k for mechanical and suspension repairs, then the stereo and A/C don’t work anymore, so I’m guessing maybe another 2k-4k to fix those. I got a quote of 3k for trade in.

At what point do I cut this car loose and buy something newer?

I saw a 2022 Subaru Forester with less than 10k miles at a dealer I trust for 30k.

I am 2k shy of covering it with what is in my HYSA, without touching my 6 month emergency fund, but I’m not sure that’s the best use of my liquid cash (especially with the economy being so unpredictable) and it feels like a lot for a vehicle (but I trust and tely on Subarus).

I dont really want a car payment, but we could take a small loan from our local bank to cover the remaining 5k.

I work from home, only drive my vehicle a handful of times a year (but when I need it, I need it).

My husband has a work vehicle and an older high mileage grocery getter Fiat as well, so that is why I have opted to have the larger vehicle.

We transport my friend with a wheelchair that only fits in the Forester, plus we bring home tools and furniture in my vehicle (we are newer homeowners).

Some about my financial picture: maxing 401k and HSA,

somewhat HCOL, my take home post taxes and contributions is 80k, my half of household expenses (mortgagege, groceries, utilities) are 40k, in school part time and paying 15k a year tuition.

Should I get a new car even though it’s a depreciating asset?

My last car (2011 Subaru Impreza) I bought brand new and put less than 50k miles in 10 years and it was perfect (just got totaled when a 100 year old tree landed on it).

[David]

$15k seems high for a 2011. I have a 2011 Forester.
I’m about to take it to the shop this week.

It’s been reliable and the repairs have more been annoyances. But I guess we’ll find out this week. lol

We’ve owned it since 2013.

What repairs does it need?
And the AC in them gets bad after awhile at idle because of wear it doesn’t spin the compressor well when sitting still.

You can find a way to shim it online.

[Diann]

We spent $7,000 in repairs over the course of 18 months on a Subaru and after picking it up from the last $3,000 repair job, the next day it left me stranded on the side of the road.

We were done! We traded it in for an Equinox because we had to have two cars due to our work schedules.

That was the second Subaru that I spent thousands of dollars on in repairs. Never getting a Subaru again.

Later we got a Toyota Highlander and we love it!

[Katie]

As a twice owner of a Subaru, I’d say “don’t buy another.” Go with a Toyota.

[Mia]

Whether you replace or not, please have a pre purchase inspection done. They’re about $150.

I rebuild my own engines and still missed some $$ suspension issues on a used car I was considering.

[Christina]

We have always purchased new cars and drive them until the wheels fall off.

We still reached FI – buying used is not a requirement to FIRE.

[Jennifer]

I bought a 2023 Subaru new two years not buying another one – make sure you get an extended warranty!!

[Yolanda]

Hi! I once read that you cut your losses from your vehicle, once the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the value.

It’s up to you if you want to pay for the repairs.

However, it seems like you are in a position to afford a new vehicle.

If I were in your position I would buy the new vehicle.

Good luck!

[Dana]

you are better off investing in a Honda Civic. way more reliable and economical

[Author]

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