Q: Should I trade?

My teenager drives this car, and so did her older sister before her. We bought it used and have owned it for 9 years. My oldest wrecked it twice, never her fault, and substantial damage was done to the involved cars, but never this one. We did replace a side mirror and fix a dent.

The car has needed new struts for several years, but I have not done that as the estimate was about $1500, which may be more than the car is worth. I also don't carry collision insurance.

The car drives great and is a part of the family. However, it's about to need new brakes again, I just replaced a brake hose, and I never know what it will need next.

My biggest concern is safely, but as a single mom, cost of repairs is also an issue.

Can you confirm that it's probably time to purchase something else, and suggest something that is less expensive to buy/maintain, and comes close to the safety record of a Volvo? I would probably purchased a used vehicle from Carmax.

Thanks! Lynn

My car has 170000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.