Should I Fix or Replace My Car?
A Decision Checklist for Everyday Drivers
What This Checklist Does
A printable decision framework. It walks through the same factors a trusted mechanic would consider. No technical knowledge needed. Answer the questions honestly and follow the scoring.
Before You Start
Grab these numbers. Check your dashboard, registration, or service records:
- Current mileage:
- Vehicle age (model year):
- Estimated current value: (check KBB.com or Edmunds)
- Cost of the repair you're facing:
- Total spent on repairs in last 12 months:
Don't worry about being exact. Estimates work.
Part 1: The Core Question
What is the repair cost as a percentage of your vehicle value?
Repair Cost ÷ Vehicle Value = %
| Percentage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Under 30% | Repair makes financial sense. Proceed to Part 2. |
| 30 – 50% | Gray zone. Other factors will tip the decision. |
| Over 50% | Replacement is likely the better financial move. |
Part 2: Factors That Favor Keeping
- Low annual mileage — under 10,000 miles/year
- Plan to keep long-term — want 2+ more years from it
- Low total mileage — under 100,000 miles
- Repair is routine — brakes, tires, belts, hoses, battery
- No other major repairs looming — rest of vehicle in good shape
- You know and trust the vehicle — you know its history and quirks
- Replacement would cost significantly more — payments, insurance, registration
- Repair is safety-related — brakes, suspension, steering (must fix regardless)
Count: / 8
Part 3: Factors That Favor Replacing
- High mileage — over 150,000 miles
- Spent more than $2,000 on repairs in past 12 months (excluding routine)
- Repair is major system failure — transmission, engine, head gasket
- Vehicle has recurring problems — different issues keep appearing
- Commute or lifestyle changed — vehicle no longer fits your needs
- Safety concerns beyond current repair — structural rust, airbag issues, electrical failures
- Repair estimate uncertain — "won't know until we get in there"
- Emotionally done — lost confidence, dread the next breakdown
Count: / 8
Part 4: Your Score
Add It Up
Part 1 result
Under 30% = +2 FIX | 30-50% = 0 | Over 50% = +2 REPLACE
Part 2 checks
= FIX points
Part 3 checks
= REPLACE points
FIX total:
REPLACE total:
Reading Your Score
FIX higher by 3+
Repair the vehicle.
Within 2
Judgment call. See tiebreakers.
REPLACE higher by 3+
Start looking.
Tiebreaker Questions
- Are you confident driving this vehicle for 12 more months?
- Can you afford a replacement without financial strain?
Yes to #1 + No to #2 = Repair.
No to #1 + Yes to #2 = Replace.
What This Checklist Does NOT Do
- Doesn't tell you what car to buy.
- Doesn't replace a professional inspection. Get a second opinion if the repair is over $1,000.
- Doesn't account for sentimental value.
One More Thing
The worst time to make this decision is standing in a repair shop lobby with a surprise estimate. That's why this checklist exists.
If you want a professional second opinion:
myeverydaydriver.com/advisory