Should You Fix Your Broken Car or Buy a New One?

Owning a car gives you freedom, but when something breaks, that freedom can quickly turn into a financial headache.

Suddenly, you’re facing a hefty repair bill and the tricky question: is it worth fixing, or is it time to move on?

This ‘repair or sell car’ dilemma is even more common with older cars or those with high mileage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through when it makes sense to repair — and when cutting your losses might be the smarter choice.

Key takeaways

How to know if repair bills are too expensive

Depending on what the issue is, there may be quite a bit of information online that can give you an idea of how much your car would cost to fix. This is the first step to establishing if your car is worth keeping or not.

Here’s how to know if you should repair or sell your car:

Research online

There are plenty of online resources that can give you a ballpark figure for common repair jobs. Just remember to factor in local differences. For example, labour costs in London are usually higher than in other parts of the UK.

You can also check car owner forums for real-world experiences and advice. Sites like Honest John are especially useful for impartial, first-hand insights.

Get quotes from reputable garages

The most reliable way to estimate your car repair costs is to contact local garages directly. Most will want to see the car in person and may even take it for a short test drive before giving advice.

It’s also important to get more than one quote to make sure you’re getting a competitive price. Remember to check whether VAT is included and factor in the cost of being without your vehicle while it’s being repaired.

Car repairs can add up quickly. Consider car repair finance to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

When is it not worth repairing a car?

If the cost to repair your car is likely to exceed its value, it’s usually not worth fixing. This can change depending on how easy it is to find a comparable replacement.

Deciding whether to repair or sell is tricky because it’s not just about repair costs versus your car’s worth. You also need to consider what you could realistically buy as a replacement. These days, the second-hand market is booming, and you may not be able to get as much for your money as before.

To make an informed decision, take the following factors into account:

Can you sell your broken car? Options for getting money from a damaged vehicle are often limited.
What would it be worth once repaired? Consider the post-repair value before committing.
How easy is it to fix? If the problem is straightforward, even if costly, you can be more confident investing in repairs.
Can you replace it affordably? Research the cost of a comparable replacement with the features you need. It may be higher than expected.

Are damaged cars difficult to sell?

Unless priced very competitively, a damaged or broken car is difficult to sell because the market for non-driving vehicles is significantly smaller than that for ones on the road.

Some buyers may ‘break’ the car for parts, which works best for rare or speciality vehicles like sports or luxury cars.

Likewise, garages or mechanics may buy a broken car to repair it, but they will offer less if the fault is unknown or hard to diagnose.

Should I repair my car before selling it?

If you’re struggling to sell a broken or damaged car, it may be worth repairing it first. A working car attracts more buyers and can fetch a higher price.

Once repaired, it’s a good idea to get a new MOT to reassure the buyer that the car has no outstanding faults.

Steps to take before you sell a car

While selling a car is simple these days, it involves more than just putting it online.

There are a few key steps beforehand that can help you get the best price and avoid problems down the line, such as:

Check the car’s condition.
Gather V5C, MOT, and service history.
Research the car’s market value.
Clean the car inside and out.
Take clear, well-lit photos.
Decide how to sell: private, trade-in, or car buying service.
Write an honest advert with key details.
Arrange safe viewings and test drives.
Confirm payment before handing over keys.
Complete all paperwork and notify the DVLA.

What if I can't afford to fix my car?

If your car requires significant repairs and is not worth trying to sell while broken, there could be another option available to you.

Car repair finance can help spread the cost of the work, making it easier to get your vehicle back on the road without paying the full amount upfront. That’s where Bumper comes in! Learn about our car repair loans now.

What happens if a car can’t be fixed?

If a car can’t be fixed, you have a few options. Owners may sell it for parts, scrap it at a licensed facility, or use car recycling services to recover value and dispose of it responsibly. As always, research these three options before choosing one.

How do I tell how much my car is worth?

Knowing your car’s value is essential before selling or repairing it. If you don’t, you might undersell and not get a reasonable price!

To determine how much it’s worth, check online price guides, compare listings for similar models, consider mileage, condition, and service history, and get quotes from dealers or car buying services.

Last thoughts

No matter your vehicle, deciding whether to repair or sell a broken car isn’t always straightforward, but weighing the costs and potential resale value can help you make the right choice.

With careful planning, you can minimise losses and get the best outcome for your situation — so, make sure you think carefully before you make the all-important decision!

Split the cost with Bumper

Repairing your car can be expensive. However, you don’t have to pay the fee in one go.

With Bumper’s car repair loans, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.