In our family we have a 2004 Fiat Punto that has only 21,000 miles. We bought it for £500 in 2015 at 10,000 miles.

Our two sons have learnt to drive in it and it currently lives with son #1 at university. As you might imaging it has been bashed about a bit. But... underneath it is still a solid car with a great engine and gearbox and no rot. Every so often I have to spend a few pounds on repairs, such a brake pads and discs, exhaust section etc. But these are consumables and do not cost the price of a car.

If I had to spend £1,000, clealry it is not worth it to fix, but £200 - £300 per annum is worth it to keep a car on the road, especially a car we know and know it shouldn't actually let us down on the motorway.

So the same with the Note. They are good cars and generally reliable as far as the engine etc is concerned. So the suspension is a bit rotten. Get it fixed. The car should last you another few years if you drive sensibly and are prepared to invest modest amounts of money each year. Better the car you know at £300pa in repairs than one you don't that might cost you £1,000 to buy and you scrap it within 12 months.