FROM A dollar and cents situation the answer is never...even if you have to replace the engine and transmission,the cost will never be the same as a new,newer car.but from a peace of mind or reliability situation,that can only be answered by you.theoretically,when you buy a new/newer auto you are also buying a certain level of reliablity because the parts are newer and less prone to failure.good luck.

First off, I like hearing that your 850 has been good to you. My wife and I bought one (non-turbo) and now I'm starting to wonder if it's really a trouble car (based on reading this board, that is- starting to scare me!) We have 46K on our '97 850.

I agree with the folks who say go for the lower mileage replacement- which is why my wife and I bought her 850. She had a Civic w/ 150K trouble free miles on it, and we decided that with my car (the lowly e34 525 :) aging (at 91K) and a baby we wanted to have something more reliable on hand. Now we're keeping the Honda as the back up "beater" as well- so I agree with having three! You also have a very good point in that you are into the area of regular repairs.

Anyway, the short story is what we always hear anyway- you have to go with what you are comfortable with- oh, and also sell me the M5. :)

Regards-

Eric

sscaro1, did you buy this car new?

Unfortunately your trade is pretty much fully depreciated and is not going to be worth much at this point. Are you spending more on repairs every month than you would on a car payment? Are you ready for a new car? I would probably keep it but that's just me.

Well I'm happy to hear that you're one of the few that has had a fairly unproblematic 850. My 96 has been abismal to say the least. Common problems that these babies face are rear main seal leaks, bad heater fans and ABS control module failures. As I'm sure you're aware, parts are not very affordable on these and I would certainly entertain the idea of putting something younger in your "fleet" considering their mileage as well. The F-150's are good trucks, but with the 100K+ on each of your vehicles, each is closer to the end of its life rather than the beginning. I am sure you get hosed on the M5 parts as well. I'd keep the F-150, cheap to fix and get something new as your every day car. Resale sucks on the 850, so it's really your call. If anything goes, it won;t be cheap.

We try to have at least one car in the "fleet" that's relatively "new" ie. below 100,000 miles.

I'd look at the Honda Accord EX 240hp V6, (or the Acura TL-CL) I'm VERY impressed with Honda's reliability/durability vs. the Volvo's.

-bdc

If I were you I would think about selling and getting something new. Not that the car is going to go bad necessarily but cars wear out like anything else. Don't put a whole bunch of new parts on it; 850s don't command good resale value, and its likely you'll lose on the trade-in or sale. Also get the advice of a TRUSTED mechanic, and see what he thinks.