Fix old car or buy new car?

I was running late as usual this morning. I get into my car and start the engine, or at least I try to. The ignition would make a noise, but it couldn't turn over. Crap. I was going to be really late for work today. I knew it wasn't the timing belt or battery based on previous experiences. I kept trying to start my car and then decided to step on the gas, even though I shouldn't have to. It started!! I drove my car straight to a nearby Pepboys, as suggested my a coworker friend. Thank goodness that Starbucks was 1 block away. After 8 hours and $$, my car was happy with:

• a new fuel filter
• a valve adjustment
• a new ignition coil
• a new spark plugs
• a new axel (separate issue due to the lowering of my car, another story)
• an oil change (might as well get everything done)
• an alignment check (ditto)
• a brake check (ditto)

Someone said, "Why don't you get a new car?" First of all, this is normal wear and tear, otherwise my Honda Civic has treated me well. My car was overdue for a major tune-up anyway. It cost me ~$625 today (a little more than 1 monthly payment for a new car), but not enough to justify buying a whole new car at $40K. I want a new car, but I don't want the monthly payments. Why do I have to be so practical??