Good choice. But I have to ask, where did you have the diagnostics done? In this age of upselling services, they must be pretty honest.

We are AAA members so I got into their site and their #1 person in our area is Goodwrench situated in front of Home Depot and if you are a AAA member the diagnostic process is free. I know what you mean about upselling services, but I told him quite honestly that I was there because I did not know whether to keep or replace the car. You get a computer print out of what is wrong with the car and it would be impossible for him to make the car do something to appear that there is a problem because it is hooked up to a computer. The print out tells me what needs to be done now and what can wait.

I did buy the tires from him, on the spot, and I will go back for a battery from them because their guarantee is very good. He was definitely a good salesman, but it was obvious the tires need to be done and it was obvious the battery was in trouble because you get a read out of how charged etc. it is. I am annoyed because the Battery was new last June - so tomorrow I'll be on the phone with the battery people ...................

Bottom line - at some point you have to trust someone! I am kind of a tough old bird and I am difficult to con.

I've come late to the discussion, but here is my experience.

1. I drive a 2001 Cadillac Sedan DeVille DHS which was built before the current trend to smaller and smaller cars, even in luxury cars. It has about 140,000 miles on it and until recently I had not spent much on repairs, but did religiously do routine maintenance.

2. In recent months I did have to replace the power steering unit, do some work on the electrical system, and have some air conditioning work done. In the overall scheme of things, having paid the car off many years ago, I consider myself far ahead of the game even after the money I've had to spend recently.

3. Since I always feel like I've been taken to the cleaners when I buy a new car I avoid it as long as possible. Historically, I keep a car a little over ten years and drive it well over 100,000 miles.

4. My problem now is that Cadillac, in fact manufacturers in general, no longer makes a sedan as roomy as the one I have now and I need the leg room. I'll probably just keep on making repairs.

5. Incidentally, the cars are getting smaller and smaller but most of the "full-sized" cars still don't get the EPA rated mpg of my 2001 model.

I think you are wise to keep driving the one you have now.

8 years old puts your car around 2006 ish, being involved in the car bus. I can say that there are few 2006 cars that are not still very dependable with only 50k on the clock. Sure there are exceptions but you did not specify. Look online for specific reviews by owners and see how your year and model are fairing with other owners. It may very well put your dependability mind at easy or help you decide it is the right thing to do in trading for a newer model.

I am in the same situation. I have a 1993 Honda del sol with 127,000 miles on it that I bought brand new back 1993. I have been basically the only person ever to drive it. Thru the years I have taken care of it to the letter. I love that car, it is the best car I have ever owned. It still runs great. Do I keep it or trade it in? What to do.

We decided to run ours until it dies or is no longer dependable. No matter what it costs to keep it on the road it will never approach the price of the new car we "thought" we wanted.