Decision calculator

Repair your car or replace it?

Start with four numbers for a quick comparison. Open Advanced assumptions only if you want to make the estimate more precise.

This is a cost comparison, not a verdict.

Safety, reliability, downtime, convenience, and how much you value the vehicle can still change the decision.

Step 1

Quick comparison

These four numbers get you to a useful first estimate.

Start here

Current car value What could you realistically sell or trade it for today?

Repair needed now Use the written repair estimate you are deciding whether to approve.

Replacement vehicle price Use the price of the vehicle you would realistically buy.

Compare over Three to five years is a useful starting point.

years

Live result Updates automatically as you change the numbers

Quick estimate using the numbers above plus the default assumptions shown below.

Repair + keep—

Replace now—

Repair + keep — —

Replace now — —

Estimated difference —

Repair breakeven — The repair amount where the estimated costs become equal.

What changes the answer? Your repair is below the estimated breakeven.

The farther today's repair is from the breakeven, the more robust the cost result tends to be.

Quick estimate assumptions

We use example assumptions for maintenance, future values, fees, and financing until you change them.

Current car end value: — Replacement end value: — Maintenance: —

Step 2 · optional

Fine-tune maintenance, resale value, financing, fees, and fuel savings.

Show details

The quick estimate starts with example assumptions. Review these before relying on the result, especially for a major purchase.

Expected annual maintenance + repairs Routine maintenance plus a reasonable allowance for additional repairs. Do not include today's repair again.

Estimated value at end What could the current car be sold or traded for after the comparison period?

Taxes + one-time purchase fees Sales tax, title, registration, and required dealer/document fees.

Financing cost during this period Total expected interest. Enter $0 if paying cash.

Expected annual maintenance + repairs Estimate routine maintenance and likely repairs for the replacement.

Estimated value at end Expected sale or trade value at the end of the same period.

Annual fuel/energy savings optional How much less would the replacement cost each year for gas or electricity?

What's included

Repair cost, maintenance/repairs, depreciation, taxes/fees, financing, future values, and optional fuel/energy savings.

What's not

Investment returns, insurance differences, exact future repair probabilities, or a made-up dollar value for safety and convenience.

Best practice

Run an optimistic and pessimistic scenario. If the answer flips easily, the dollar difference is not decisive.