[Ah]

What would you do? My car is new since 2012 and now with only 84k miles. It’s a 2013 Subaru Impreza hatchback.

I like my car and it has always make me feel safe with my toddler.

It’s in the shop now for a $3k repair. $1800 for required valve body replacement. $1000 for optional sensors replacement.

$200 for suggested serpentine belt replacement.

Only the 1st one is required to drive and for inspection.

I’ve been researching car and will get a new hybrid, car3: Rav4, Highlander, or Sienna.

The thing is while I know we would enjoy a new car, it’ not absolutely required and I could utilize that fund for investment.

My daughter may need a car in 10ish year and I don’t want to hit two major expenses during that time: car2 major repair and another car, car3.

What would you do? Fix it up and drive the Subaru until it dies or get a new vehicle?

[Chris]

It’s 11 years old. That’s some good life. I’d see what the value is if you sold it with just the first repair. Also, you didn’t mention if you have the money to replace it.

[Nickole]

Get a second opinion on the repairs. Or YouTube it and see if you can replace the sensors yourself. But I would keep the car. I had a 2004 Subaru forester.

We out grew it but I loved it

[Ana]

I had a $1200 needed repair on my 2013 legacy with 140k miles. I fixed it thinking it was going to go for years. Then last week my car went for oil change and the oil was mixing with the coolant!

The required repair was $3600… Plus recommended another $300.

I don’t have kids but I didn’t feel the car was reliable anymore.

I went for the rav 4. Talk to your mechanic and if you trust them, see what they suggest.

My mechanic suggested that I traded it in. he lost a customer since I don’t have a Subaru anymore but he was someone I trust for years.

[Nancy]

Get another diagnostic and see if you can get a better quote from different mechanic! 84k is super low mileage so your car should have more life left!

If you are getting another car I’d suggest another low mileage use because after everything it’ll still be cheaper than monthly payment plans, insurance and interest rates on a new car

[Matt]

Your new hybrid car is going to be more complex with more items to fail over time.

Make sure you get your timing belt serviced at the required service interval on your current car and keep it.

[Tom]

New car payments average about $500/month. So, if it lasts over 6 months you are ahead.

btw: my 2008 Honda Civic has almost 300k miles an still going strong.

You may have lots of life left in your car.

[Jorge]

I’d speak to my family and go from there. Depends on the life of the car, probably fix it.

[Jonathan]

I’m glad I’m about to fix my own vehicles.
But in your situation, a 2013 still has tons on life left to be dependable transportation for a years to go come.

However, a valve body replacement at 87k miles doesn’t sound right.

However, the timing belt I would recommend if it was done already, most timing belt are required to be changed ever 60k miles.

[Chris]

Also issues with the CVT transmissions so you may want to sell it once you get it “right”

[Katie]

Get rid of it. My 2010 Subaru needed two transmissions in three years. This expensive repair might not be your last.

For reference, I’m a person who usually advises repairing cars and driving them until the wheels fall off.

[Jenn]

Fix it. Subaru is good for 200k miles easily.
Signed…2007 Honda Civic Si with 105k and a brand new AC compressor.

[Author]

Posts