Should I replace my car?

I have this 2006 Ford Escape. It's been a decent first car that I've had for almost 6 years. But my life has changed so much it's basically the family car now. My girlfriend and i had a child two years ago and currently we have a newborn. We fit in it fine but lately I've had to have a lot of repairs on it as it's has close to 250 thousand miles. No serious rust yet and the engine and transmission are fine. My issue is I don't have much in savings for a car because of the kids and we just bought a house last year. And if I did I could only spend the same I bought this for 4 thousand dollars. I could squeeze a small monthly car note but I worry I won't be able to save anything. What would you suggest? Fix or replace?

If your Escape still suits your needs and has no serious rust, then despite 250k miles it will still be the best used car you will find for $4000 in repair costs. You should plan on keeping it, performing maintenance and repairs as needed up to and including replacing the engine and transmission to keep it going. Ford sold thousands of Escapes so used or reconditioned parts from crashed, lower-mileage and more rusted cars than yours should be widely available.

When a car gets to the point where it's costing you about as much in repairs on a monthly-average basis as it would cost for you to just finance a different car, that's usually a good time to find a new(er)/different car. Everything that can wear out is going to wear out much sooner than later because at 250K miles, you've (significantly) exceeded the designed service life of most of the parts in that car. If it were me, I'd probably retire the Escape at this point and find something that will go a while for you without costing you a bunch of money per-month in repairs.

What area do you live in? Off the cuff there's no perfect answer.
In general, keeping an older vehicle, that is what I like to call a "good platform" is the cheapest option in the long run.
By good platform that takes into account the make/model, some just have known issues, if so why put money into that.
Rust - if a lot of rust, best to move on. Core components, if AC does not work, electrical issues, oddball problem, then best to move on.
OK, so its seems like your escape is a good platform to work with. But the miles are way up there and maybe not the best car for you now.
I would look for a Town and Country mini van first. A Caravan would be OK, but the TC usually has more options.
And you are trying to move up to a new vehicle with lower miles.
The key is this 1. If you are going to make an offer, pull an Instavin report.
2. I want a TRUE private sale, not a flipper or curb stoner. I will never by a vehicle if the seller has not owned it for at least 6 months, preferably a year. I have to see some repair receipts. Or if the person says they don't keep them ask where they get their work done and ask shop if they know Mr X.
Also note most flippers will have only one key, no manual and the spare tire, jack and tire iron have been removed by someone along the process, repo company, action house, or another flipper.
3. It has to be inspected by an independent mechanic.
4. You have to check out everything. AC, heat, vent controls work, hazards, radio, wipers, all lights, all doors, spare, jack /tire iron, manuals etc.
5. Factor in worn brakes and tires into the equation. On a $4000 car that will be around $800 to $1000 to get fixed right there.
Best of luck

If the repairs are less than half of a new one, fix it.

Just keep it and drive it into the ground. You won't get a dime for it anyway with that mileage on it.

Not needed!

Should be buy a new car.

Add up your repair bills for the past 2 years and divide by 24 to see what this car is costing you. Remember that repairs are not going to stop. Currently having the same discussion w my husband about an '88 Volvo. It's time to say good-bye.