Repair-or-Replace Decision Tool
When something breaks, the hard question is whether it's worth fixing. This tool applies the well-known 50% rule alongside the item's age and how reliable it's been to give you a clear, money-saving verdict: repair, replace, or judgement call.
The 50% rule, and where it breaks down
The handiest starting point for any repair-or-replace decision is the 50% rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new item, replacement is usually the smarter move. It's a sound rule of thumb — but it ignores two things that matter just as much: how old the item is, and how reliable it has been. This tool blends all three so the verdict reflects reality, not just a single ratio.
Age and the "wear-out" curve
Most products have a typical lifespan, and the closer an item is to the end of it, the weaker the case for repairing. Pouring $200 into a washing machine that's already used 90% of its expected life often just delays the inevitable — you may face another failure soon after. The same repair on a nearly-new machine is money well spent. Knowing the usual lifespan for the category turns a guess into a decision.
Also weigh the hidden factors: a new model may be markedly more efficient (saving on energy bills), safer, or still under warranty. And if the same item has broken down repeatedly, treat that as a strong signal to replace — repeat failures rarely stop on their own.
How to use this tool
- Enter the quoted repair cost and the price of a new replacement.
- Add the item's age and the typical lifespan for that type of product, and rate its reliability so far.
- The tool returns a clear verdict — repair, replace, or judgement call — with the reasoning behind it.
If the verdict is "replace", our buying guides will help you choose the right replacement, and the cost-per-use calculator shows whether spending more on a durable model pays off.
FAQ
What is the 50% rule for repairs?
The 50% rule is a common guideline: if fixing something costs more than half the price of buying a comparable new one, you're usually better off replacing it. It's especially popular for appliances and cars. It's a useful starting point, but it works best when combined with the item's age and reliability — a cheap repair on an old, unreliable item can still be a bad investment.
When is it worth repairing instead of replacing?
Repair makes sense when the fix is cheap relative to a new model, the item is well within its expected lifespan, and it's been reliable until now — especially if it's a quality product or still under warranty. A minor, one-off fault on a fairly new appliance, tool or device is almost always worth repairing rather than throwing away a working machine over a small part.
When should I just replace it?
Lean toward replacing when the repair approaches half the cost of a new one, the item is near the end of its typical lifespan, or it keeps breaking down. Repeat failures, hard-to-find parts, and the prospect of a much more efficient or safer new model all strengthen the case. Replacing also makes sense when continued repairs would likely be followed by yet more.
Does a longer-lasting replacement justify spending more?
Often, yes. A pricier but more durable and efficient replacement can cost less over its lifetime than repeatedly fixing or cheaply replacing an unreliable one. The way to check is cost per use: divide each option's price by how long it should last and how often you'll use it. A higher upfront price with a long, trouble-free life frequently wins on total cost.