Does anyone else get emotionally attached to their cars?

[Beatlelvr]

My dilema: my beloved 2015 Outback needs a $6000 engine fix, sometime within the year. So, looking for a new car, maybe hybrid. Am now used to sitting higher and hate bucket seats. Test drove CR-V, Rav4, and Forester. Not thrilled with any. A new 2026 Outback? No hybrid available and frankly, ugly new styling imho. Maybe a 2025 used Outback with low mileage? Take the $6000 hit and keep my car? I know a hybrid is what I SHOULD do, but not really what I WANT to do. At least I have some time to decide.

[UpInArms]

1. Am not a really good advisor on this

I adore my 1994 Subaru Loyale wagon with 4wd on demand that averages 30 mpg

She has 250,000+ on the odometer and is on her second engine

[Beatlelvr]

13. I'd say you are pretty attached to that car.

Good job at maintaining it.

[Blues Heron]

2. make the repair, keep the car.

[marble falls]

3. If the car is in otherwise good condition, can you replace it for $6,000? Buy a used engine and have it gone through. ..

... cheaper than a good used Outback.

[LastDemocratInSC]

5. Look at a remanufactored engine.

Jasper Engines or one of their competitors. You can buy them online and have them shipped to the repair shop of your choice. I can vouch for their engines and transmissions.

[Beatlelvr]

14. Thanks for the information!

[blm]

4. I lost my beloved 2002 Outback to Hurricane Helene.

I had spent around 6000.00 on needed repairs in 2021, but, I loved the feel of that car so much, it was worth it. The body was still in great condition, so, there was no question I was going for the repair. The car had 290,000 miles on it.

[Beatlelvr]

12. Wow!

[HappyH]

6. replaced the engine in my 2009 Outback

It was cheaper than replacing the car but still way expensive. Other big plus for me is my Outback has a 5 speed stick, Those are getting really hard to find. For me it was keep the car I want or find another one that I might not like.

[gay texan]

7. Fix it

New cars are just horrible

[murielm99]

8. I am emotionally attached to my car...

2005 Volvo. I love it.

[bucolic_frolic]

9. You want to depreciate an additional $6k, or you want to depreciate $30k?

Your 2015 might escape forced dealership software and maintenance much better. Stability with what you're familiar with.

World is sick. Time was $6k would buy a good durable used car.

[waterwatcher123]

10. My Problem is Investing Too Much in Any One Vehicle (not good at cutting my losses).

My wife thought it was a good idea to sell my orange Suzuki SX4 after I finally worked out the bugs. I guess I just about rebuilt the entire car going through the engine (new oil pump, timing chain, head gaskets, valve stem wipers, starter, rebuilt alternator, water pump, belts, hoses, tensioner, etc.). I took the engine and transmission out of that car four times to get it to work properly. My advice on transmissions is to be very careful about purchasing a transmission from a salvage yard without thoroughly looking to see if the pump gear is intact (moving parts that stop abruptly usually suffer damage). I also replaced the struts, shocks, hubs, wheel bearings, brakes, brake master cylinder and so on that car (far exceeded the value of the car). I even tried to discourage the guy who bought it by saying it was one problem after another. However, he was intent on buying this car for his son. Now his son is happy tooling around Hawaii in the car.

My wife does not have any attachments to vehicles. So, she is ready at the drop of a hat to send it packing if it does not work. If your car still functions well and may need a significant repair down the road, maybe get rid of it and start another automotive relationship. You will not miss it in a year or two.

[Beatlelvr]

11. All good advice! Thanks so much for the input.

I will continue to research. The car is in good shape otherwise. 97k miles. Will also look into new engine. Yes, its true once I buy a new one, I won't miss mine that much after a while. But I will most likely get nostalgic if I see one on the road somewhere.

[3Hotdogs]

15. If the body and frame are sound, eat the 6k.

$6k vs $30 - $75 for a decent used or new, + interest. Either interest spent on a loan or money not earned with investments.

One thing to consider. Do you drive in an area with high winter rock salt usage? That will cause frame deterioration.

[Beatlelvr]

17. Yes, they are

I'm in southern California. But I do go to hill country sometimes, Colorado, Calif redwood trip. And my car does great.

[3Hotdogs]

23. Then have it pur on a lift and check the undercarriage for rust decay.

If there is none or little, eat the $6k

[Auggie]

16. What is the condition of the brakes? Transmission? Suspension? Tires?

How many miles are you sitting? All facts to consider, IMO.

[Beatlelvr]

18. So true.

All you mentioned are in good shape far as I know. May need new tires in a few months. I do all required maintenance check ups

[Auggie]

22. You may want to have a trusted mechanic give it a good inspection ...

I'd also research the make and model year for known, high-mileage issues. There are web sites devoted to such things.

On the other hand, even completing some to all the upgrades I mentioned may be a better deal than buying something new.

[SheltieLover]

19. Pay the $6k & keep your car

New cars are absolute junk. Lots of plastic engine parts & planned obsolence taken to the utmost extreme!

I have brand new Honda engine & head, just receiced, for my 2005 Civic.

Do you really want a $700+ car payment for something that is not likely to outlast the payments?

[SheltieLover]

20. You might look for a JDM engine.

Japan requires engine replacements around 50k miles. You can save a lot of $ buying a lightly used JDM engine! There are importers you can search up who do this as a business. I bought one & it was excellent! I can't think of the importer's name, only recall they are in NJ & has outstanding reviews.

[surfered]

21. Yes, until they break down and the repairs costs hundreds. Then, the affair is over.