...my general car thinking:
Buying a new car means either-
- You plan to buy another about 60% through whatever bumper to bumper warranty you're getting. [not a fan, payments, time without the car for warranty repairs...]
- or -
- You're able supplement the cost with earnings or compensation from a job using the car. (deliveries, Uber, Lyft, outside sales...) Some jobs in sales, service and marketing provide a car allowance.
I drive a 2003 Pontiac. Paid $5500 for it 2008. My daughter was the only driver until 2 years ago. She was a manager at a Sear Auto for 6 years before that. She recommends checking https://www.carcomplaints.com/ when considering a used car.
You have some great advantages. First, you have a mechanic who treats you right. Second, you have a car you like and that fits your needs. I hear people often say that when a repair costs half or more than the book value of a car, it's time get another. In my mind that's wrong. Book value considers things like demand and the average costs of maintaining that car. Knowing your car's repair and maintenance history is an asset. It's a good idea to keep a log of what was done, what you noticed that prompted the repair and your post repair comments about improvements or lack thereof.
To determine what your car is worth to you, look at reasonable and effective replacements options and figure those costs.
Best of luck. Let us know how it goes. 
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