In a quandary

My beloved paid for van is dying a slow death. It's in the shop today getting an official diagnosis on what needs fixing. I knew the AC wasn't working and THAT needs fixing. I'm not a "wind blowing in your face" kinda gal. I'm the "turn the AC on high if it hits 65 outside" kind. Everyone but Vicki who rides with me has enough sense to bring a sweater or a blanket along.

So the AC needs fixed -- 850 bucks PLUS the 130 because the blower doesn't work on high -- and I like high.

The transmission is slipping and shifting hard. To try to save it, a flush and fill job is 120 dollars. So at a minimum, we are looking at 1100 in repairs.

So with that figure in mind, I think, "Well that's just a few car payments and it would be good to go." Except...........

There's the other things they found that need fixing. The left front wheel bearing -- 307 dollars and the leak in the intake manifold which has something to do with the fuel injector, so I'm guessing that's important -- but is it 800 dollars important to me?

Lastly, if the ol' flush and fill doesn't fix the problem, it's approximately 3000 buckos for a new transmission.

So to keep my van may cost as much as 5100 over the next few weeks. I have to decide whether to keep it or trade it in. And if I trade it in, do I go for a new van with a long warranty or a used van and buy somebody else's trouble? Or do I skip the vans entirely and go for a more spacious SUV? The kids are getting bigger and their legs longer and they need more room than the back seat of a mini van offers.

So much to ponder and the weather is getting warmer, so time is of the essence. What would you do?