Should I get a new car or wait until mine dies?

I have a 2006 ford focus and I'm tired of it. I've had it for 5 years and it has 143,000 miles. It has never had any engine problems and as far as I can tell it still runs fine. I want a new car though! Mine is so basic and boring and I see better cars out there everyday and it makes me depressed especially because the people who have nicer cars than me are somehow less educated or younger or just dumb in general. I've always been frugal and have money saved up and I know a new car will take away like 1/2 of my savings. I have been working hard for like 5 years to save up to go to graduate school but I feel like I never buy myself anything or do anything for myself. I don't want to blow all my money but just having basic stuff is so depressing to me for some reason. I feel like by this time in my life I should have a better car. I'm almost 30. Am I just succumbing to "keeping up with the Jones" or to the peer pressure of society? Or should I just do something good for myself for once?

Honestly, who cares if others have nicer cars than you. There are plenty of kids riding money and daddies car who don't have a clue what money is.

Personally, If I had the funds and was comfortable paying the loan month after month for a car along with other necessities, then I would invest in a new car. But realistically, if you're not really comfortable, meaning that some months you struggle and others you do, I would highly recommend just driving the car you have right now. I drive a 93 miata, so your 2006 ford focus is quiet new.

Wait until the car dies. But if your keeping up with maintanence that car won't die on you.switch to a high milage oil or synthetic. And check your fluids regularly. And it will last.american domestic cars run as long as imports these days

Can you afford a car payment? Then do it.

I drive a 94 model despite being a millionaire. Yours can last you many more years if you take care of it.

Keep paying yourself a car payment and get rich instead of going into debt.

http://www.daveramsey.com/article/drive-free/