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Repair or replace your car? Answer 7 questions and see
A car is usually worth fixing when the repair costs less than half of what the car is worth, the engine, transmission and body are sound, and it has not needed repairs every few months. Flood or frame damage, frequent breakdowns or a repair worth more than the car point to replacing it. Answer the questions below for a clear verdict, from the technicians at Prestige Auto Repairs & Tires in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park.
How to decide whether a car is worth repairing
Four checks most technicians use when a customer asks “should I fix it?”
- The 50% ruleIf one repair costs more than half of what the car is worth, most people are better off replacing, unless the car is otherwise in excellent shape.
- Compare with a year of paymentsA repair that costs less than a year of payments on a replacement car is usually the cheaper choice, even before insurance and tax on the new car.
- Count the next 12 monthsAdd up everything due soon (tires, brakes, timing belt, A/C), not just today’s repair. Your shop can list it from the inspection.
- Safety is not negotiableFrame damage, serious rust in the structure, or flood water inside the cabin are reasons to replace, whatever the repair estimate says.
Know exactly what the car needs
Most bad repair-or-replace decisions start with a guess. At both shops we diagnose the problem, inspect the rest of the car on a lift and send photos with a written estimate, so you can compare real numbers. We also tell you what will come due in the next year.
Big jobs we see people weigh up most: engine repair, transmission repair and flood-damaged car repair. Covered by an extended warranty? See extended warranty repairs. Repairs carry our 2-year / 24,000-mile warranty.
