The original post: /r/askcarguys by /u/UnfairInsect1095 on 2025-02-16 05:30:10.

Hello everyone! I’m very much not a car guy and have gotten the two cars I’ve ever owned as hand me downs from family members. Currently I own a 2004 Chevy trailblazer and it is most certainly at the end of its life, there are so many problems with it that to repair every little item it would cost around 4000 dollars. The breaks are also starting to give out and need to be replaced along with the rotors and calipers for around 1200. I am simply not sure the car is worth putting that much money into.

Here is my predicament. I am currently in grad school and do need a car to commute, however, in about a year and a half I plan to move to a different state. My question right now is, should I buy a car now and trade in my old car for around 1000 dollars, or should I repair the breaks just so it’s safe to drive and though it out till I’m done with grad school.

Currently my ideal plan is to take the car to a mom and pop shop, hoping they can rig something together to make the car safe to drive for a year and a half. Then hopefully by then the market has stabilized a bit and tarrrifs haven’t hit the market too hard for me to buy a car.

For reference I’m hoping to buy a car in the 20-25k dollar range with less than 20k miles, somewhere in the same vein as a Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, or Hyundai Elantra (Or other similar cars).

I’m trying to do my research but this is honestly the first time I’ve ever considered buying a car, so if you guys have any advice or recommendations on what to do, I would love some guidance.

Thank you!