If it seems like you are putting a lot of money into your car for repairs, it might be better to get a new vehicle. However, that also depends on the condition of your vehicle and the types of problems you are having. 

Before you decide to get a new-to-you vehicle, you have many decisions to make, including buying new or used.

Know What You Have If vehicle repairs are driving you to get a new vehicle, take stock of the type of repairs you are paying for. If those repairs are typical for the mileage on your current vehicle, you may want to hold off on a new vehicle, especially if the mileage on the current vehicle is less than 150,000 miles. Keep in mind that if you are buying a used vehicle, you could be buying someone else's problems. A new vehicle may be the solution, but you have to determine if you are really saving money. A new vehicle comes with payments, higher insurance premiums and the maintenance required to keep the vehicle under warranty. The cost to purchase a new vehicle may be more than what your current vehicle costs to repair.

Types of Repairs

If the repairs are typical wear and tear items, such as brakes, belts, hoses, water pump, alternator and other accessories, you may be better off keeping your current vehicle if the body is in good condition and you have less than 150,000 miles on the vehicle. A vehicle that has been properly maintained could last well past the 400,000-mile mark.

Suspension parts are also worth replacing as long as they are not prematurely wearing out because of an accident or because the vehicle is otherwise out of line. If a tire alignment cannot be done so that the vehicle is in perfect alignment, it is time for a new vehicle.

Fuel system repairs are also expensive but will last once they are completed. If you need injectors or a fuel pump, this repair is worth doing unless a problem with the gas tank is causing the pump or injectors to prematurely wear.

If the repairs are items that shouldn't be wearing out, such as excessive electrical problems and computer problems, it may be better to purchase a new or used vehicle. Depending on the year and model, sensors and computers could be very pricey, and replacing one after another is usually not worth it.

Problems with the oil system may require a new vehicle if you want to save money. For this decision, you'll need to know the history of the vehicle. If you know oil changes have been meticulously done but the oil pump breaks, you could spend the money to make the repair. However, if you are a second owner and are not sure, it might be better to buy a new or used vehicle. A worn oil pump could lead to problems with the pistons, rings and chambers if not changed.

A worn oil pump could also signify that the pump is working too hard because the engine is worn. Often, the engine must be removed to change the oil pump, so this is an expensive repair. When the auto technician takes the engine apart, he or she will be able to tell you if the engine needs to be rebuilt.

For repairs that are more expensive, be sure the vehicle is worth keeping – the body and interior should be in good shape with little to no rust. All other systems should be working properly. Otherwise, it's time to buy a new or used vehicle.