[ckelly78z]

My wife's 225,000 mile 03 BMW 325CI has been nickle and diming us here recently, so went out and looked at the new VWs (she had a Cabrio recently, daughter has a Jetta). While we liked the new ones, there was no 5 speed manual available in the lower trim levels (affordable), and the cars that even came close to the options and creature comforts of her BMW were in the $30,000 + range.

We finally decided to throw $1000 at the BMW to get everything in order, and after 2.5 months of no other expenses on the car will be ahead of the game. She plans on driving it for another 3 years

We only paid $6200 for this car 3 years ago, and it's probably still worth $4000 selling outright, but we certainly can't replace it for any amount under $10,000 in a used car, or $30,000 in a new car. Just keep it, and tell yourself every time you have to drop $400 for a repair bill, that, that is only 1 monthly car payment.