Hello, currently an assistant language teacher living in rural Japan. I have a dilemma to do with my car that I’m hoping those with more experience would be able to help me out with.
​
For context, I arrived in September last year and purchased a 20 year old Honda Life from my predecessor for very cheap. The car seemed to be running fine until about a month ago when engine issues began to appear and have since persisted. Managed to get the car looked at at a local garage but even since then, the car has occasionally just completely stopped while idle at traffic lights, with the battery warning indicator appearing. I’m normally able to get the car started in those situations but I honestly feel the car is nearing the end of its lifespan. According to my colleague, my predecessor had similar issues with the engine when they had it too.
​
Anyway, the shaken is due in a couple of months for the car and I’m reluctant to pay such a hefty sum of money for an old car that I know firsthand has issues. The thing is, I plan on staying at my placement for another 18 months from now and it would be very difficult to get by without a car where I live. Based on this situation, does anyone have any suggestions? Considering I don’t plan on living here in 18 months, I’m also reluctant to buy another car outright but I guess I could recoup the money when I leave. What are my options? What about leasing a car in Japan? Thanks in advance!!