Repair old Volvo or buy newer cheaper car?

I have a 2002 Volvo V70 2.4 petrol auto which is due a 96k service and cambelt. It judders quite a bit with moderate braking and the steering and front suspension feel quite 'loose.' Would it be worth my while financially to pay for whatever repairs are needed in the hope that it will then last me a few more years, or would I be better to buy something newer and cheaper to run with the money I would have spent? Maybe a Vauxhall Astra 2008 for about £3500? I currently get about 26mpg out of the Volvo and cover 17k per year, two-thirds motorway, one-third central London. Would prefer an auto either way.
Either way is a gamble, but the golden rule is to never spend more on a car than it is worth.
Answered by Honest John on

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