re: Fix the car or get a new one

How much is the note on the new car going to be, and how many months until you "need" the bigger car. Another factor is, how much more will you get for your trade in if you get those items fixed?

If you are 6 months out or more from needing the new car, and you get half of the cost of repairs back via increased trade in value, then you're looking at $125 per month for the repairs. Save the extra $200 that you would be spending on the note for a larger down payment.