2000 VW Passat with 45,000 miles -- Repairs vs. when to change to new car?

Personally I would milk it along. The ABS likely is not critical as some cars did not have it in 2000 anyway. It should just revert to standard brakes.

Last year we paid a massive amount on wife’s 2005 Subaru Legacy with valve job costing near $3000 along with other bits since it was open/motor removed. My wife is fine since the car has gone one year repair free which to her she think she would have spent $3000 in payments at least on a new car.