Need car advice...to fix or buy new?

[frannn]

DH's tranny went yesterday on his '95 Chevy Monte Carlo. He had it towed to a place that was recommended by a mechanic he knows, who said it needs to be replaced. A rebuilt one will cost, including the towing, etc, about 2000. A new one would be at least 2600. We recently put about 2500. into the car to fix & tune the engine & coolant system. The car has almost 90,000 miles. I would love to buy a new car, but DH wants an SUV (to fit 3 kids) and that's a LOT more than these repairs would cost. My job is not all too stable, either. He will have to put an additional 600. into this car soon to replace the struts as well. Is it worth it to fix this car, or do we need to bite the bullet & get a new one?

 

[helenabear]

Honestly I would take that $2000-2600 plus whatever you were about to put into the car for the struts and buy a new one. To me that is just too much money to put into a car that isn't that terribly old. That's just me though.

 

[LuvTigger]

If he feels comfortable enough with the mechanic, ask him what he thinks.

BF's mom (who takes EXCELLENT care of her cars, btw) had a '94 Grand Caravan that she poured lots of money into over the years. The trans went on it earlier this year and the mechanic told her that she should just give it up and get a new car (he recommended a Toyota) because he didn't think the situation was going to get any better.

If a brand new car would be stretching finances, esp. under your current situation, consider looking at used cars, maybe from a rental car sales (like Budget). Sometimes you can find really good deals on good cars, maybe you can find your SUV at a good price.