you want to take on a new car with higher monthly payments (also higher other costs like insurance) instead of just paying to fix and maintain the current one?

>I also have never gotten new tires or a tune up on this vehicle since I bought it (they barely pass inspection atm). The trunk also got broken into at one point so all the rubber is shredded at the handle. The only other notable thing about the car is it only has 38k miles on it. I drive less than 2k a year and 90% of those miles are going 70mph or over.

you neglect your current car and wonder why it is not good and your solution is to take on a new car and spend more money than just fixing your current one?

just trying to provide some perspective. You can spend a few thousand now getting your car in better shape or way more on a new car that you might also just let go to shit?

you are thinking in terms of monthly payments and not in terms of total cost. that is how most people in trouble financially especially with cars.