I remember being in the same situation with Corolla #1 (aka Bluebell). I was getting ready to move out, and I'd had Bluebell paid off for about six months. The thing was, with 177,758 miles on it and struts that needed repair -- not to mention the fact that, over New Year's that year I dropped more than $900 in repairs on it -- the chances of it being reliable for me to keep were slim to none, and if I were going to get a new ride, it would probably be better for me to have it in the budget than to have to add it in once I was in the crib. Adding fuel to the fire, I received a coupon from the Toyota dealer we always dealt with offering a good deal on vehicles. So I told Dad I was going to look, and he told me, "Now, make sure you just LOOK -- no test driving, nothing like that. We're just getting an idea of what's out there. Ok?" Sure Dad, I said. I doubted I was going to like anything, anyway.

Then I saw a '95 Corolla with a moon roof (since I'd just broken up with a dude that had a convertible, that was HUGE) and 25,200 miles on it. I brought it home.

First thing Dad said was, "What'd I tell you?" to which I replied, "But Dad, look," and pointed to the odometer with its eensy little miles on it. "NOW you're talkin'," said Dad, proud that I'd picked something cute AND practical. He threw on a shirt and went back to the dealership with me that night to get the rest of the shit done.

That was the last time Dad and I got to buy a car together. On second thought, I AM going to hate giving it up if and when I have to.
Oh, whatEVER.