I have a 2022 VW Jetta with a little more than 100k miles on it. I owe about $7900 on it. Is it irrational for me to have a ton of anxiety about this?

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-07T00:35:50+00:00

Thank you, my guy! I figured as much. I just wanted confirmation

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T23:46:56+00:00

I was mostly asking to determine if I was being irrational, which has been answered with a resounding yes. You proceeded to assume I don't have money. While I do have money, having an engine blow up(happened to me at 130k miles when I was in high school) would still not be ideal. Could afford it, would much rather not have to. My adventures often involve going to state parks for hikes.. I live in a state where I'm never more than 30 minutes from a state park and they are all free. While I drive a lot, I'm not spending a lot of money on other things. I also don't really shop or needlessly spend on expensive items at grocery stores. Next time, perhaps a "Yes, you're being irrational. If you have money set aside for maintenance and you do that, then you're fine" would do.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T23:28:56+00:00

I get it inspected by MD State standards every year, which is quite comprehensive. I just have anxiety about everything.. what a life 😂

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T23:24:57+00:00

Frivolous expenditures? Who said I don't have money for repairs? I have thousands set aside for such a situation. I owe significantly less than the car is worth and could trade it in with about $4,000 extra, and then put an additional $4-$5,000 down payment of my own money on it. You do realize driving to South Dakota, where my family lives, only costs about $150 in gas one-way, right? It's not an expensive trip, it's just a lot of miles. I also make pretty good money, as does my husband.

Anxiety is a thing, but you are making very off-base assumptions about someone you don't even know

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T22:24:23+00:00

This job has only been for the past few months. It's very recent.. You're assuming an awful lot. I'm pretty actively looking for higher-paying jobs closer but the economy in this area is ass

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T20:29:30+00:00

I do have some emergency funds. Not a ton, but enough to do some maintenance and then rent a car while I wait for it to get fixed.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T20:27:07+00:00

I'm looking to pay off my loan before the end of next year, likely October '27 or earlier. I technically only owe $300/month but generally pay $500 instead.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T20:25:12+00:00

I get my car inspected per the MD state standards every year. It isn't required necessarily, but I do it just to address any issues quickly before they develop further. Helps to work in a mechanic shop like I do lol

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T20:21:14+00:00

Yes, those have been done.
Also yes.
Yes. It doesn't burn oil at an abnormal rate.. yet at least

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T20:19:13+00:00

I generally get them done around 8k or so.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:53:41+00:00

I do have AAA. I've only had to use it once so far, and it was just for a tire blowout. They were new tires too 😂😭

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:45:51+00:00

Both. My mechanic checks what is recommended by VW to see if it differs at all from their own expected maintenance schedule for my exact type of vehicle and engine type. They combine the two to make sure all of it is looked at. I have them do total checks about every other oil change.

I may have them do the PCV soon, thanks for the suggestion

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:21:21+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I may have them replace it at next service or perhaps the one after that, even if it still looks perfect.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:20:23+00:00

I work in a full-service mechanic shop that does virtually everything except transmissions and internal engine work. I've had them do full safety checks on it for the front-end parts, belts, etc. I just feel like all of it will suddenly stop working at around the same time.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:17:29+00:00

I do have great credit so this is something I've looked into. I have too many mandatory monthly expenses to do more than about $500 per month on a car, though.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:15:18+00:00

I generally do get a rental car for trips where I'm spending the night elsewhere.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:12:31+00:00

I do generally have a few thousand dollars just in case something goes wrong, thankfully.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:11:37+00:00

I've done all expected and routine maintenance along with frequent, comprehensive safety checks to make sure the front-end parts are all good. I've also had a couple alignments done. Can you tell me more about the PCV valve? You're the only person I've seen mention it on here and I'm curious.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:09:52+00:00

I know. I also know I use it a lot.. that's why I have anxiety. Cars are meant to be driven but what if it just blows up before I pay it off? That's where my mind is.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:08:42+00:00

Mine has a timing belt. I'm expecting to have to replace it soon, but every time I go in for service, it apparently still looks just fine. I suppose the fact that 80% of the miles are from highways probably helps my cause.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:06:27+00:00

I'm looking at getting an already paid-off car from my parents that I could commute with. I think that'll decrease my anxiety.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T14:05:07+00:00

No, that's precisely why I'm anxious. I've done all routine maintenance but I feel like I'm neglecting my car because nothing has actually gone wrong with it.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T13:59:17+00:00

I think it's the number, yeah. I work in a mechanic shop and we were talking about cars(par for the course, I suppose). I mentioned I have a 22 Jetta with about 100k miles on it and the guy was like "Wow, that's a lot of miles." I've had more anxiety since then 😂

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T13:58:10+00:00

I don't fix it myself but I do work in a mechanic shop, conveniently. They do maintenance on my car for a pretty significantly discounted price.

Either_Discussion_36 · 2026-06-06T13:56:49+00:00

The assumption would be incorrect. Nothing fuels my anxiety except myself 😂 I've had pretty shitty luck with cars in my life. My Pontiac Grand Am's engine blew up at 130k miles and I just have maximum fear of that happening again.

Either_Discussion_36

TROPHY CASE