Car

My car needs repairs.  Badly.  I've no idea about anything, but the repairs will cost around $1000.  This is a ton of money, especially as my car is 11 or 12 years old.  However, it is still worth over $2000.  So, if we put in the repairs, we will probably get our money back.  However, the lump sum payment is a lot.  Especially, as we are  a teacher and a grad student. 

I just don't know what to do.