VictoriaF wrote:Thank you, all! Here is additional information:
Current Usage:
- I now live within walking distance from work and don't use the car for commute.
- I drive to business meetings and social activities, most of which are within 40-mile radius.
- Occasionally, I drive 200-300 miles, but I try to avoid it because my car is old.
Planning:
- In about half-year my circumstances will change. I may start driving more and farther.
- If I do get a new car, it will be a new one, so that I will keep it for another 16 years.
- I am assuming that the resale value of my current car is $0, because I hate dealing with this. If I buy a new car, I will probably donate this one.
Given this additional information, does it make sense to keep Civic until January as is (without any repairs), and just buy a new car in January?
Victoria
Yes, but start your shopping now. You may find a super deal on a new or lightly used car that makes it worth 'not waiting.'
However, a 16 year old car if well taken are of and with only 105k miles could conceivable go quite a bit further. CV joints are wear and tear items, esp on older Hondas, and timing belt is routine maintenance, so there aren't indications of impending doom based on what you've written.
My father's 17 year old Accord needs a master cylinder and a new seat belt, for probably $1500-$2000. But he drives a lot more than you do, and the car has closer to 200k miles. I've recommended he get a new car. He probably won't listen.