I am the proud owner of. 2010 Subaru Forester, and I understand the love for them. Subarus hold their value better than most cars (think about it - how many Subarus do you ever see on used car lots?), so I would definitely hold on to your 2009. I think the suggestion of taking some basic auto repair classes is a good one. Or you can do what my son always tell me to do - “just YouTube it!”

Depending on where you live and how good a relationship you have with your Subaru dealership, I would suggest that you talk to a salesman about finding a used Subaru on the internet. I exist in the dead center (pun intended) of the panhandle of Texas, but I have a wonderful salesman at Brown Subaru by the name of Mitch Steinmetz who is great at locating what you want - used or new. He’s the only car salesman who I believe to be truly honest. Five friends of mine have purchased a Subaru after learning of my ownership experience. The plus side of buying a new Subaru is that the financing usually goes through Chase bank (which I have been told they own), so your credit score may not be as prohibitive as you think. And, as I said, Subarus hold their value, so it’s not going to depreciate the minute you drive it off the lot. Good luck with your decision, but whatever you do, stay with a subaru!

Keep your old car. Save for a new car. Do the math... you get nothing on a trade in. Now your paying notes again.

Depending on the mileage and age of the car, also if you live in the rust belt, the car could start to nickel and dime you to death so to speak.
Just something to think about.

Did you ever think about learning to do your own repairs on your car?
My youngest daughter took classes at the community college in auto repair
she could change U-joints and transmissions and do many other repairs she could also do.
Paying for a professional services very expensive.