When does a car repair pay for itself? Finding your break-even point.
A $6,000 repair sounds like a lot until you put it next to what a replacement vehicle actually costs you every month.
Here is the break-even math we run with customers at [atc] AutoCenter. Take the repair cost and divide it by the average monthly payment on the vehicle you would buy instead. That number is how many months of payments the repair buys you before you are behind.
On a new vehicle at an average of $735 a month over 72 months, a $6,000 repair breaks even at roughly 8.2 months. On a used vehicle at an average of $523 a month over 60 months, the same repair breaks even at roughly 11.5 months.
These are national averages and they move. Confirm current figures before you run your own numbers.
That is one input, not the whole decision. Replacement cost also includes tax, insurance, a down payment, and the risk of inheriting someone else’s problems. We walk through all of it with you before you spend anything.
Written estimate first. Approval required before any work starts.
Augusta
1853 Gordon Highway
Augusta, GA 30904
(706) 738-7812
Grovetown
303 Grimaude Blvd
Grovetown, GA 30904
(706) 303-3333
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Is my car worth fixing?