Car Repair vs Replace Calculator
Last updated: November 5, 2026
Compare a major repair with the near-term net cost of replacing a vehicle.
Lower-cost option
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- Keeping cost per comparison year: —
- Replacement net cost: —
- Difference between options: —
On this page
Quick summary: Compare a major repair with the near-term net cost of replacing a vehicle.
Read the method, example and limitations
Updated reference sections in this guide are in English.
Guide language: English. Updated October 15, 2026.
What this calculator estimates
Car Repair vs Replace Calculator
Inputs and units
Use the units shown for Major repair cost ($), Current vehicle trade-in value before repair ($), Repaired vehicle resale value at the comparison end ($), Expected additional years after repair, Replacement cash down payment and fees, excluding trade credit ($), Replacement monthly payment ($), Comparison months, Replacement equity at period end, resale value minus remaining debt ($). Required fields cannot be blank. Use zero only where that field and the model allow it. Select Calculate after changing a scenario.
Method and assumptions
For the same comparison period, keeping cost equals major repair plus current vehicle value minus its resale value at period end. Replacement cost equals current vehicle value traded, cash down/fees and monthly payments during that period, less replacement equity at period end. Compare these totals; keeping cost per year uses the comparison duration.
Worked example
Repair 4,500, current value 9,000 and ending repaired value 3,000 give keeping cost 10,500 over three years. With cash down 5,000, 650 monthly for 36 months and ending replacement equity 8,000, replacement cost is 29,400.
Limitations
The existing vehicle is assumed fully owned and its entered value applied as trade credit. Replacement cash down excludes that trade credit. Ending replacement equity must be resale value minus remaining debt. Compare within the repaired vehicle's expected life. Running costs and other repairs are excluded.
Compare the same ownership window
The repaired-car life and the replacement comparison period must be compatible. The replacement scenario includes the entered payments and terminal resale assumption; a cheaper monthly payment by itself does not establish a cheaper vehicle. Use the same treatment of fuel, insurance and maintenance on both sides, or compare those omitted costs separately.