Our third car, a '98 V70 with 210,000 miles that we bought 18 months ago, has just had its first checkup in that time. It needs: Timing and serpentine belt, tie rods, all brakes, a wheel bearing, a fuel filter, and the ABS light is on. Our indy mechanic says, all told, about $1800. We bought the car in 1/2014 for $1500 for our daughters. It had 199K on it then.

I'm looking for suggestions. Part of me is thinking that, if I do some of the work myself (I am capable of brakes/rotors, probably the fuel filter), we could have a car that will last for the foreseeable future of mostly around-town driving, have a safe car for the girls, and so on for about $1300.00. Part of me thinks it might be a good idea to sell this for whatever we can get for it (say $1000?) and put the money into a "new" used car for them (but potentially buy someone else's problems). The third part of me says drop the car, lease a Kia or something for like $140/month, and don't worry about maintenance.

Thoughts appreciated!