I have a 1999.5 PF SE Limited Edition and last year or two I have done some major repair one after another and every time I debate if I should let it go and get something newer.
Mileage is near 200K, right now 197,000. I have been doing routine maintenance and took good care of the vehicle.
KBB.com says the private party value is around $1200.
Just this year alone I have done (besides maintenance):
New front brakes
Engine belts
Practically all the hoses
AC blower motor
Rear main seal (this was a BIG $$$ one)
New water pump
Timing belt
2 CAM & 1 crank seal
New starter
New idle control valve
...and now the latest the mechanic told me I will be needing:
Power steering rack leaking fluid - need to take apart and replace parts
AC compressor very weak not cooling much
Needs 4 new tires
The steering rack leak I think is around 500, 4 new tires + alignment at least $400, I am not sure how much a new AC compressor probably $400? So looking at a total cost exceeding the car value. Sort of the same deal when I had to replace the rear main seal I struggled with it and then decided to go ahead with the repair.
How do you know it's time?