I have a 2002 Honda CRV EX with just over 150,000 miles on it. It is a manual transmission (probably the last one I'll own), AWD, and has been a great car.
In the past few years I've had a few problems with the car, the most expensive being the check engine light, which goes on and off. I have been told I need a new catalytic converter, but if I use premium gas, the light doesn't usually go on, and the car passed California smog tests last February (the check engine light has been going on and off for at least 4 years). Replacing the catalytic converter at the dealer would be $3119.
Another problem is the suspension: I need front strut assemblies, front lower ball joints, and compliance bushings. Altogether the suspension work would be $1613 (including alignment). I'm not sure how urgent the suspension work is.
They have also recommended all coolant hose and thermostats be replaced (due to age) for $920.
Then there's the drive belt which is frayed. Replacement is $164.
And there's a small oil leak which will be at least $380 to fix.
The most recent and urgent problem is the the radiator and condenser fan belts need replacing for $1245.
I should probably just get a new car, but I'm not quite ready to buy. I'm just finishing up helping my daughter with her college education, and want to save some more money before buying a car.
I'm also considering getting the new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Plug-in, but I haven't had time to figure out if I should do that vs just the Crosstrek (my first choice for a new car, although I haven't driven one yet).
I'm thinking about just getting the radiator and condenser fan belts replaced (those caused it to overheat and have to be towed) and the drive belt replaced, and then fixing one other problem every month or so (with the exception of the catalytic converter), and hoping it will last through the summer or even until the next time it has to be smogged (probably next February).
So I would be paying more than a car payment would be for a few months, but saving on insurance and registration costs, and hopefully getting my car to a point where it would have some trade-in value.
I would appreciate any thoughts or advice. Thanks in advance.