Originally Posted by
Ottawa John
What's the car worth now and what are you prepared to spend for another? How are the brakes, shocks, & exhaust? Is it a standard transmission and could you also be looking at a clutch in the future? How is the body holding up? What will you get for a trade? When the cost of a repair is more than the car is worth it's usually time to say goodbye, but if you buy another cheap one you can start right back in with water pumps, timing belts, etc. Do some serious homework before you make up your mind.
My thoughts exactly. Unless you are going to buy brand new, you are just gong to inherit the problems that caused a previous owner to get rid of it. You at least know the "quirks" of the Stratus and maybe another $1000 will get you another year or 10 years out of the car - no one can say for sure - but even if you only get a year out of the car after this repair - it's still only $83 per month ... WAY less than a loan payment.
Good luck!!
RL