[eightyfive]

Apples/oranges/not my car, but I had a similar situation in my 2011 Impreza and was staring at a $3500 repair bill for the head gasket. If you get the work done, there’s a litany of other things you really ought to do while you’re there (water pump, belts, etc). Sure, it’s not a new engine, and it’s certainly less than a new engine would cost, but either would be nearly as much or more than the vehicle is actually worth. For a 16 year old vehicle, almost any repair other than basic tires/brakes/etc can be “fatal” if you’re not doing your own wrenching. If you do opt to pay, you’re gambling on what else might be lurking around the corner.

[asdff]

You are effectively paying $3500 for a car. If you want a new car now you have to pay for it, probably more than $3500 I'm guessing, and it too will amount to a gamble of what else is lurking around the corner just with a different car.

[Marsymars]

My take on this has made it usually worth paying the $3500, since I know that otherwise, maintenance and repairs are up to snuff.