Should my 80-year-old wife replace her 2002 Nissan Micra or just run it into the ground?

My 80-year-old wife has a 2002 Nissan Micra, current mileage 10,172 after eight years. Use is almost entirely local (surgery, shopping, visiting friends, etc.). It fully satisfies her requirements for personal transport and she wouldn't want to drive anything bigger or, as far as boot size is concerned, anything smaller. First problem of any note at this month's MoT - replacement of both worn rear shock absorbers. Is it time to change or should she just run it into the ground?

Asked on 6 December 2010 by GM, via email

Answered by Honest John
The problem with an elderly person driving a car that might become unreliable is a breakdown at night many miles from home. Her mileage suggests that she never strays far from home at all, so there's simply no point in replacing the car.
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