Investing in a 200TQW

[Barry Lampke]

I recently bought a 1990 200 Quattro Wagon with 175K mi. for $2,300.  I love the car!  I have now put about $700 more into it.  In the next year it will need all struts (quotes of $250 front; $350 back) and tires (around $320)  That's about $4,000 so far.  It will likely need other typical maintenance items, which on the Audi cost a bit more than other cars.

My question is this:  When is it time to stop investing in a car like this?  I am not a mechanic so doing my own repairs is not an option.  I understand people pay $400/mo. for new car payments and I've never done it, but I'm beginning to wonder where the buy/sell points are that make sense.

Buy at 60,000 mi. and sell at 150,000?
Buy at 100,000 mi. and sell at 170,000?

It seems that cars just plain cost a lot of money and, unless you buy a Toyota Corolla (no Corolla nightmare stories, please), you're in for a drubbing.

Barry (tired of paying...)
(I guess I shouldn't mention that my 84 Jag XJ6 w/Corvette motor needs fewer repairs than the Audi...)