Keep current car - or trade in?

c_fol

Hi,

Just after some views. I currently have a 13yr old Honda Accord 2l TDi with 140k miles on the clock. It runs great, but the bodywork problems are accumulating... Needs welding nr both rear wheel arches where the bumper joins on, repairs to both front electric window mechanisms (not the first time), and a new aerial. Also had an electrical problem recently - now sorted.

Been looking for second hand cars around the £3-5k mark - but can't shake the feeling that perhaps I should just get the repairs done to the car I have? The car is getting old now though, maybe that would just be prolonging the inevitable - and perhaps the 2nd hand market is as good as it could be expected to be...!!? But then I could be buying someone else problem..?

(I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure! )

Any thoughts / advice very much welcomed.

Cheers,

c_fol

gilbert_and_sullivan

Sounds not a lot of work there to keep a basically good car on the road.
Maybe have a nose around a few scrappies and get a few bits and pieces that you're likely to need.

Better the devil you know.

chevettedriver

On the other hand, a 13 year old Honda has virtually no safety features, apart from probably ABS

I had an old Accord which suffered from similar rust. A chance remark from a friend suddenly enlightened me about the lack of any real structural strength left in my old Honda that had welding on the 2 previous MOTs, if a serious accident were to occur.

For less than 2 grand you could get a 6-8 year old car with 4 star euro NCAP rating e.g. Astra

c_fol

Cheers for the responses,

I've decided to get a new (2nd hand) car. I do quite a lot of motorway journeys with work, so a decent 5 year old diesel will suit my needs, and give a bit more piece of mind on the safety front too. The Honda will probably be snapped up by someone who'se much handier with cars than me, and live on for another decade!

Cheers,

c_fol

pault123

For £3000-£5000 you can pick up a decent VW Bora/Passat or an Audi A4/A6 1.9tdi 130 bhp.

Very high in the safety ranks, fast and refined yet extremely frugal on fuel.:beer: Motorway journeys are a pleasure.