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Sink money into it, or let it go?
Drop in the repair quote, what the car's worth, and what a replacement would run you. We'll give it to you straight.
$
$
A quick trade-in/private-party estimate is fine.
months
$
Per month — loan/lease payment on the car you'd actually buy.
The verdict
—
Enter your numbers.
Keep & repair
$0
per month, ~0 mo
Replace
$0
per month
The 50% rule0%
Repair vs. car's value50% = caution line
A rule-of-thumb guide, not financial advice. It doesn't know about future repairs, sentimental value, or your credit terms — but the 50% rule (if a repair costs more than half the car's value, think hard) and cost-per-month are how mechanics actually frame it. When in doubt, get a second opinion and a pre-purchase inspection on the replacement.
GearShift helps honest shops show customers exactly this — clear estimates they trust.
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