Repair vs Replace Calculator — Should You Fix It or Buy New?
A repair quote always feels expensive in isolation. The real question is cost per year of use — a costly repair can still be the better deal if it buys you several more years, while a "cheap" repair on a dying item can be a waste. This calculator compares both options properly.
How to use this tool
- Get a real repair quote and an honest estimate of how many more years it should last.
- Get the price of a new replacement and your realistic expected years of use from it.
- Press Compare — the tool works out the true cost per year of use for each option and recommends the cheaper one.
- A common rule of thumb: if repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, replacing is usually better — this calculator checks the real number instead of guessing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the '50% rule' for repair vs replace?
It's a rough guideline: if a repair costs more than about half the price of a new replacement, replacing is often the better deal, especially for items already showing their age. It's a useful gut-check, but comparing actual cost-per-year-of-use (as this calculator does) is more accurate since it also factors in how long each option will last.
Why does cost-per-year matter more than the sticker price?
A £2,000 repair that lasts 8 years (£250/year) can be far better value than a 'cheap' £400 repair that only buys you 6 months (£800/year). Looking only at the upfront number leads people to make the wrong call in both directions.
Should I factor in reliability risk, not just cost?
Yes — this calculator handles the pure cost math, but an old item repaired once often needs more repairs soon after. If you expect more issues, either shorten your 'extra years' estimate for the repair honestly, or weigh in the hassle/downtime cost separately.
Does this work for cars, appliances, and electronics equally?
Yes — the logic is the same for any depreciating asset: repair cost and expected extra life vs. replacement cost and expected total life. Just use honest, realistic estimates for the 'years of use' fields, since the answer is only as good as those inputs.