Repair or Replace Calculator

Not sure whether to fix your car or sell it? Enter a few numbers below. The calculator compares the value a repair adds to your car with what the repair costs, and gives you a quick answer.

Car value if it were in good working order ($)Check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a private-party value. Car value as-is, without the repair ($)What a dealer, junkyard or car buyer would pay for it right now. Repair quote ($) Other repairs expected in the next 12 months ($)Optional: tires, brakes or other issues you already know about.

How the calculator works

A repair makes financial sense when the value it adds to your car is greater than what it costs. The value added is the difference between what your car is worth running well and what it is worth as-is. We also show the repair cost as a percentage of the car’s value: many mechanics use a rough rule that a repair costing more than about 50% of the car’s value deserves a second look.

Things the numbers don’t capture

Replacement cost: a newer car means a bigger payment, higher insurance and possibly higher registration fees.
Reliability: if you know the car well and it has been maintained, a big repair can buy several more years of driving.
Safety: rust, frame damage or failing airbags change the decision regardless of cost.

This calculator gives a general estimate only. See our Disclaimer and always get a written quote from a qualified shop.