Should You Repair or Replace Your Car?

When it comes to car repairs, it's almost always cheaper to replace a broken part than to repair it. Our advice is to spend no more than 50 percent of the cost of a new product on repairing an old one. If an item has already broken down once, replacement may be the better option. It's important to remember that there is a spectrum when it comes to car repairs.

Mathematics can only show you if you're more inclined towards a repair or replacement. Other factors, such as how often you repair and what you owe for your car, should also be taken into account when calculating your numbers. Replacing the car will likely cost more than annual repairs. If you keep the car, its market value doesn't matter.

The goal is to have a working car, which you can have if you repair it. People who used independent repair shops were more satisfied with the repairs than those who used factory service. If the repaired value of your car is worth as much or more than the cost of the repair, it's probably worth repairing rather than replacing it. Use online tools, such as Kelley Blue Book's Fair Repair Range, to estimate the reasonable cost of repairs and the current redemption or retail value of cars like yours.