When to repair car or replace?

Your financial situation is an important factor when debating between repairing or selling a car. If the repaired value of your car is worth as much or more than the cost of the repair, it's probably worth repairing rather than replacing it. If you need repairs but plan to buy a new car soon, you can get ahead by skipping repairs and changing it as is. While deciding to do the necessary repairs to your car will generally save you more money in the long run, it comes with the uncertainty of doing more repairs in the future.

If you decide that your car isn't worth the cost of repairs, but you can't afford to buy a new or used car with cash, you can also apply for an auto loan to finance the purchase of another car. Just be sure to let potential buyers know what types of repairs are needed and consider reducing the estimated cost of repairs from the sales price. Along that same line of thinking, it is to have the mechanic explain which repairs are critical and which repairs are recommended. Once the repairs are complete, the shop must give you a detailed invoice with a list of each repair performed, each part replaced, the cost of each, and the cost of labor.

The Repair Shop Act works best when consumers take the time to buy auto repairs wisely, keep track of their transactions with the garages, and discuss repairs with shop management to avoid misunderstandings.