nice car. Its always hard to make that decision for someone else. For me, traded in my Malibu on an Altima (biggest mistake I've ever made, POS), then when the Altima needed 8k worth of engine and tranny work @ 82k miles, I traded it in on a Grand prix. This was probably my last shot at a car I wanted before kids will need cars, so took the plunge on a used mini before dumping 2k into the GP this summer.
But I wouldn't have gotten it if it didn't come with an extended warranty. I don't like huge repair bills and bank notes at the same time.
I love driving the Mini and can see keeping it for a long time (or my next Mini).

 

There is usually a markup on parts from the repair shop. The price on the invoice is not the price you would get if you shopped around and bought the parts elsewhere.
Stay out of debt, do your preventive maintenance and set aside a repair money account with what you WOULD have paid in taxes and car payments for the new ride.

 

KEEP IT! You've been through the PAIN, now it's time to enjoy the GAIN.

 

It all depends on the car and how hard and fast the repairs come. I got my mini after my 07 civic decided I needed almost its worth in repairs at 70k. Having owned Hondas all my life that was the first time I had one pretty much disintegrate. Had an 84 accord that was still going strong at 160. Older civic that was kicking at almost 200k. 70 and needing: suspension work, engine mounts, gaskets, clutch, timing and yet another set of breaks? I got out of that junk pile before it fully died on me. For me is the time when you spend the worth of the car in 6 months. Unless it is not your daily driver and is primarily for fun. I hope by the time my car is out of warranty I'll have the space to work on her myself.

Since she is your daily driver, I'd say move on. But again, it's your love of the car that says it. I'll probably be buried with mine.

 

When "the book" is written by the manufacturer, it assumes a new car in excellent condition. Older car with some rust and seized bolts to deal with? Poor maintenance by owner? There goes "the book" and prepare to take a bath on that job. Worse, dealers pay their techs by "the book" too, so there is strong incentive to take shortcuts, especially if you get stuck with a bad car. Get it in, do the work, get it out.

Source: a friend who is a certified Audi master technician.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

I like the view that Rocky here has offered (and others as well). I'm actually shopping right now for a late-model used Honda Odyssey (2011) so I'm getting reminded of what is involved in buying and financing a car. (We're trading my wife's 2012 Hyundai Accent in for a minivan. No, we don't have kids, I need a people mover.)

Once I get the Honda (that I haven't bought yet) paid off, Then I'll shop for another Mini or maybe a German Sedan. But in the mean time, You;re right, I suffered the pain, time to bask in the pleasure.