New, Rebuilt, Used battery-- or Trade it in?

Personally I wouldn't spend alot of money on a new battery with that many miles on the car. i would sell it and be forthright on the battery issue. Its very common for the battery to be rebuilt but most turn into a whack a mole thing where you have to constantly go back in and replace bad modules. Then cross your fingers. Most people myself included do not have the time or cannot suffer through that never knowing when your car is going to leave you. The horror story's.
If the dealer see's the codes for a new battery they won't give you peanuts for the car. Probably better selling it privately with the battery caveat.

Good Luck. Buy a prime.

 

You don't say how long that drive to school is but my personal opinion is that you could take the money for a battery plus the trade-in value and get a fairly decent, dependable used car. Something along the lines of a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Toyota Yaris sedan. The difference in gas mileage won't cost you all that much unless it's a long commute.

 

I have a 2005 with 247,000 miles and the battery went out once 3 weeks ago and that 3 week old reconditioned battery died last week. At least it was under warranty, but there are many differently priced batteries out there (the more expensive ones have a longer warranty). I paid $2100 for my reconditioned 3 year warranty battery. So far the new one is great.

I'd say go with the battery replacement. Just don't trade in the car. Private party always gives more money if you decide to sell. If you get a used car, don't go with an old Prius because you'll probably be in the same place you are now with a broken battery. A Civic is a great choice. A Yaris is a reliable car, but nothing else is really good about it.

 

My experience a good Rebuilt will give you about 100, new about 200k

 

i would love to see you keep it running, but what if i said go for it, and a short time later, your a/c or another four figure system went down?
instead of another car payment, maybe look at a 2012 or so with under 100k, or better yet, pick up a new prime in maine for under 20k net, net, and road trip home!