Thread: should i fix this car or replace

My 2005 grand Prix Gt with 148,000 miles is self destructing.
Since I got it 3 years ago it has occatinally thumped when starting out. Would happen 1 or two times a month. This recently got bad happening a couple times a trip sometimes it feels like you are being rear ended I'm thinking its a bad contoll selenoid on transmission expensive
The power steering rack is leaking, I believe that is an expensive fix as well, rear brakes are due now, fronts are close
It recently has started making a brake pedal vibration when pulling into parking spaces sometimes (I made a thread for that) that iI need to address now.
I think replacing a PS rack is beyond my ability and the transmission selenoids I'm not sure are accessible with the Tranny in the car
I don't want to put time and money into fixing the urgent break issue if the car needs 3000 grand of work
The body/interior tires are excellent. Engine runs great but often takes 2 tries to start. I don't think I could get a nice clean car with new breaks and transmission for less than fixing this one so maybe its worth fixing
Any thoughts?

You can go on ebay and get a new rack for $125, a transmission solenoid for $16 and 4 new rotors with pads front and rear for $150. Sounds like you have a warped rotor. As for the thumping on take off check motor mounts. You can do all this yourself. I spent 31 years as a petroleum structural engineer ( designing and building platforms and refineries ) but I have practically rebuilt my 2000 SE with the help of the people on this website. I wasn't a auto mechanic but I've become pretty good at it.

If the body and interior are in great shape, defiantly fix the mechanicals to get it up to par.

I was worried more about the labor on the transmission and rack. The thumping definitely isn't motor mounts. I can often tell when its going to do it its like the engine reves and if I lift off the gas and then start againu it won't do it I'll look at it tomorrow and see if I can get access to the transmission selnoids with it still in the car

Havnt messed with the car for a few weeks, it was rear ended (minor) but I didnt want to put any money into it until I knew that was going to get fixed.
Only things ive done to the car in 3 years are oil changes, transmission service, battery, water pump and serpentine belt, air filters and turn signal bulbs. So not a lot of cost so far.