Home upkeep
Compare repair and replacement for an appliance
The decision turns on your actual numbers. A useful comparison includes the quoted repair cost, the delivered and installed replacement price, and what any remaining warranty covers.
A text to start with
My washing machine is six years old and out of warranty. I have a repair quote of [amount] to replace the motor. A comparable replacement model costs [amount] including delivery, plus [amount] for installation and [amount] for haul-away of the old machine. Lay out a side-by-side comparison of repair versus replace using only these numbers, and tell me what I haven't accounted for.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check in the comparison
The comparison should use only your figures, with no substituted estimates. If delivery, installation or disposal were missing from the replacement quote, they should appear as separate line items. Check your original warranty document for any coverage that still applies to a repair. Any mention of energy use or expected lifespan should come from manufacturer data you can verify.
Making the decision
Call the repair company and the retailer to confirm that each quote includes every fee. Ask whether the repair quote separates parts from labor. If the appliance has an extended warranty, read that document before paying for either option.