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Two roads: total cost compared
Repair road
Cheaper$0
Replace road
Cheaper$0
Total cost of ownership
| Cost | Repair path | Replace path |
|---|---|---|
| Total |
Next 12 months: what leaves your wallet
Keep & repair
Replace
Why this is the right test
Swing factors — what would flip the answer?
⚠️ Don't count sunk costs
Already spent $4,200 on this car over the years? That money is gone either way — you don't get it back by replacing, and you don't lose extra by repairing. The only question is what each road costs from today forward. If a past repair bill is making this decision feel emotional, that's the sunk-cost fallacy talking.
Common questions
Is it worth repairing a car if the repair costs more than the car is worth?
Comparing the repair quote to the car's value is the wrong test. The correct comparison is the repair cost versus the upgrade premium: the replacement's all-in cost minus what you could sell your current car for as-is. If the repair costs less than that premium, repairing usually wins — even when the quote exceeds the car's value.
What is the 50% rule for car repairs?
The 50% rule says that if a single repair costs 50% or more of the car's fixed-up (post-repair) market value, it's a red flag for replacing. This calculator shows it as a secondary check alongside the main test.
Should past repair spending influence my decision?
No. Money already spent is a sunk cost — it's gone whether you repair or replace. Only forward-looking costs should drive the decision: the quoted repair, expected maintenance, and the replacement cost minus as-is value.
What costs does the total-cost comparison include?
The quoted repair plus likely extra repairs in the next 12 months, expected annual maintenance, insurance differences, and depreciation for each path — over the number of years you plan to keep the car. Open the fine-tune panels to adjust every assumption.
How do I estimate my car's as-is value?
Use what you could realistically sell it for today, in its current condition — a private-party sale or dealer offer — not the fixed-up retail value. Valuation sites give a starting point; subtract the cost of obvious needed work.
Is this financial advice?
No — it's an estimate based on the numbers you enter and simplified assumptions. It doesn't account for financing costs, reliability needs, or your personal risk tolerance. Use it as a decision aid, not financial advice.