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Unlike gas costs, which are happily plummeting, auto repair costs typically remain relatively even from month to month and year to year. Absent the dramatic discounts you enjoy at the pump, how can you decide whether you should invest in a pricey repair or trade in your car for a newer model? Here are a few things to consider.

How to tell if I should repair or replace my car.

How to Tell If I Should Repair or Replace My Car

Every vehicle owner eventually must decide, should I fix up or trade up? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Numerous factors come into play, including age or appearance of your car, how inconvenient it is (or isn’t) to keep it and how important new technologies or safety advances are to you. The best time to buy a car is when you have no reservations about moving on to a newer model. If you still feel the pull of sentimentality to your current car or feel it still has years of reliable service left to give, repair may be a better option.

You’ve Been Diligent about Preventive Maintenance

If you’ve religiously followed the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual and find yourself facing a costly repair, fixing it may be the wise choice. Your needed repair may well be a fluke. Considering you’ve been diligent about preventive maintenance, odds are excellent that once the repair is complete, you’ll not need another major one any time soon.

You’ve Already Replaced Other Major Components

If you've recently repaired a major vehicle part, such as the transmission, that is one less major bill you will encounter in the near future. Often, your car’s major components are newer and more reliable than your car's age. If you have already invested in pricey repairs, continuing to repair other critical components will only prolong your vehicle’s reliable lifespan. If you’ve already invested, deciding to sell your car the next time it needs repair means you’re not maximizing the repair investments you’ve already made.

Should you buy a new car or get expensive car repairs?

Your Car Is Relatively New, Still Runs Well and You Love It!

If you drive a high-mileage car that you’re not particularly fond of and discover it needs an expensive repair, you’ll probably think seriously about selling it or trading it in rather than repairing it. Your decision will be more difficult if your car is in good shape, is a source of enjoyment and pride and holds fond memories. If your experience with your car has been primarily positive, having the repair done probably makes sense. Most of the time an expensive repair costs far less than trading in your vehicle for a new model. If you are happy with your car, invest in it so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come.

When you do decide it makes sense to invest in an expensive vehicle repair, you’ll need to decide who to trust with that repair. Expensive car repairs should be performed only by ASE-certified technicians working for reputable shops. Deboer's Auto Sales and Service in Hamburg can handle these repairs.

Contact us to discuss your complex vehicle-repair needs.

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Bill DeBoer

Written by Bill DeBoer

William J. DeBoer (Bill Jr.) is Co-owner and Vice President at DeBoer’s Auto. As the company’s General Manager, Bill has been responsible for bringing innovations in daily operations to the full-service, high-tech auto repair facility for 20+ years. Passionate about computers from an early age, Bill’s interest in technology gravitated to cars while he was in college. By obtaining a Certificate in Automotive Technology followed by a B.S. in Business Management from Penn State, Bill was able to fuse his interests into a car technology specialization and join the family business shortly thereafter.