I have a 2013 BMW 328i, F30, RWD, manual transmission with 130,000 miles. I brought it to an independent BMW mechanic and was told I need a new turbo and quoted $5,500 along with a number of other less serious issues and would be like at $8-9,000 to fix it all. I looked up the blue book value on my car and it looks like it is worth roughly $6,500 if in good working order. The mechanic, who will obviously benefit from me doing the work, was trying to talk me into the repairs when I said that the cost of the repairs was likely more than the value of the car. The car does hold a sentimental value to me as it was the first car that I chose and bought for myself, had custom ordered and have owned and enjoyed for the last 10+ years. Financially I can afford a new car but the timing is not very good as I’m about to start on building a new home within the next few months. I need objective opinions, do I get the car fixed or do I just suck it up and buy a new car?
Glad you asked. It was and still is a common dilemma. You hit the key points. A-emotional attachment-this cannot be calculated it’s the X factor back to that B-affordability- money won’t be the sole decider here, or even be considered a major factor. C-value-this is tricky as the X factor come into play. You can’t put a value on memories and if this Bremerton has them then your choice is pretty clear.
You’ll focus on the new house and obtain an intermediate vechile. The beemer needs work in excess of its book value but in this case “x” totally cancels out this book value crap and replaced it with emotional attachment and then writes you a blank check, but not today. In the meantime it can sit. You have to promote the house project to the top. Perhaps an opportunity for the beemer will present itself in the coming months. You have time on your side. Good luck!