When to stop putting money in a car?

So far, everything they fixed was a failure since it cost way too much and required a few returns. Find a cheaper reputable mechanic who doesn't just swap out parts, but actually fids the problem and repairs that. Check your coolant level every day ( cold engine) and if you need to add coolant, you might need radiator repair. Aftermarket radiators cost 1/2 what OEM ones do, and since they have to pull out the radiator to get at the harmonic balancer, they want you to buy a new radiator too, to add another $200-$300 to the bill. If your HB was bad, they should have seen that the first time they took the belts off it. Your car should not be put out to pasture so soon, though it IS a Ford. If you have $30,000 in the cookie jar, trade it in on a new Toyota or Honda SUV that will last you more than 10,000 miles a year trouble free.

There is no benefit for taking a 9 year old car to the dealership service department where they are always looking to extract as much money as possible. Go to a good mechanic at an independent repair shop where they can fix the squeak the proper way for a lot less.

I would stop going to that place. You have been put on the suckers list.

To your question, you stop paying when the cost of the repair is more than the car is worth.

Power to the people.

You shouldn't be going to the dealer with a car that far out of warranty. Find a reputable independent garage, and that car should last till 200K miles.

Depends on how much you like car payments. Personally, I hate them and will go to considerable lengths to avoid them, but your mileage may vary. And there is no Magic Formula which can predict the best possible financial outcome.

Stop now and trade it in asap. The dealer will fix any faults for a fraction of what it would cost you.

When it falls apart.

v