I owe $13,000 on my car, but it suddenly needs a new $9,000 engine — I can’t afford that. What am I supposed to do now?

Samantha owes $13,000 on her car but now requires a $9,000 engine replacement, which she cannot afford. She must decide whether to pay for the repairs or buy a new vehicle, both of which are financially burdensome. Car experts advise Samantha to consider the overall condition of her car, its maintenance history, and the specifics of the repair before making a decision.

If the car is in good shape and the repair appears affordable, it may be worth investing in the repairs to avoid the higher cost of buying a new car. However, if the car needs other costly repairs soon or has a poor maintenance history, Samantha might be better off getting a more affordable used vehicle. Finding an affordable mechanic and exploring financing options can also help manage the costs.