Owning a car has plenty of benefits but also carries significant responsibilities. Keeping a car in good shape requires allocating funds toward routine car maintenance, as well as unexpected repairs.

Tariffs are driving up prices, but that’s only part of the story — aging cars, complex technology, and a worker shortage are all fueling record repair bills. Repair costs are climbing at record speed.

Question: My car was totaled in an accident. Should I repair and keep driving it or buy a new one? Answer: In many cases, buying a car after your current car is declared a total loss is the easier, ...