Should I repair or scrap my old car? How to decide

It's one of the most common dilemmas for Melbourne car owners: the repair quote is high, the car is old, and you're wondering if it's worth it. Here's a practical framework to help you decide whether to repair, sell or scrap your vehicle.

The 50% rule

• A commonly used guideline: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the car’s current market value, scrapping or selling is often the more sensible choice.
• Example: If your car is worth some nominal amount and you’re facing a some nominal amount repair bill, that’s 62.5% — likely not worth it.

Questions to ask yourself

• How old is the car and what is its current market value?
• Is this likely to be a one-off repair or the start of ongoing issues?
• Do you have comprehensive insurance that may cover the repair?
• How urgently do you need a reliable vehicle?
• Could the money spent on repairs go towards a newer, more reliable car?

When to repair

• The car is relatively new (under 7 years) with low kilometres.
• The repair is a known, isolated fault with low risk of recurrence.
• The car has sentimental value or is a sought-after model.

When to scrap or sell

• Repair costs are high relative to the car’s value.
• Multiple systems are failing simultaneously.
• The car is over 15 years old with high kilometres.
• You can get immediate cash and put it toward a replacement.

Not sure if your car is worth keeping? Get a free cash offer from Fast Auto Car Removal — 0499 774 336.