My old car’s repair costs keep piling up—when does it make sense to just let go?

I’ve been holding on to my 12-year-old sedan because it’s paid off and I’m trying to avoid monthly car payments. But lately, every time I fix one thing - brakes, tires, or the transmission - the next issue pops up. I’ve already spent close to $2,000 this year on repairs, and it’s starting to feel like I’m throwing money into a bottomless pit. I don’t have the cash to buy a reliable newer car outright, and financing something right now feels risky since my job hours have been unpredictable. I’ve thought about using public transit, but it’s not very practical for my commute and errands. Has anyone been in this spot and decided to sell or scrap their car despite the emotional attachment? What signs tipped you off that it was time to cut your losses? And how did you manage transportation afterward without breaking the bank?