Free printable PDF
Before you approve a big repair, slow the decision down.
Get the Car Second Opinion checklist that helps you compare the repair path against realistic replacement assumptions before stress, shop pressure, or a monthly payment makes the decision for you.
No account needed. Educational worksheet only. Use qualified professionals for mechanical, safety, financial, insurance, or purchasing advice.
Major repair decision worksheet
Designed to print, write on, and bring to a repair shop, lender, dealer, or kitchen-table decision.
FTC repair guidance
Written estimates
Built around getting the repair, warranty, and approval terms in writing.
AAA ownership math
$11,577
AAA's 2025 annual new-vehicle ownership-cost estimate.
Replacement market context
$49,758
Kelley Blue Book's June 2026 average new-vehicle transaction price.
Used-car reality check
11.43%
Experian's Q1 2026 average used-car loan rate.
What it helps clarify
Make the repair decision with fewer blind spots.
You do not need a perfect answer before you talk to the shop. You need a cleaner comparison, realistic assumptions, and a way to spot when the decision deserves more professional input.
See the repair path and replacement path over the same time period.
Avoid comparing a one-time repair bill against only a monthly payment.
Bring calmer notes to a repair counter, lender, dealer, or second opinion.
Keep safety uncertainty separate from financial wishful thinking.
Leave with a clearer next step before approving, trading, selling, or shopping.
A decision this expensive deserves more than a gut check.
A repair quote is only one number. The real decision includes downtime, likely follow-up costs, vehicle value, loan balance, insurance changes, and the risk of buying another car in a high-cost market.
The checklist gives you a printable place to organize those assumptions before you say yes, trade in, sell as-is, or keep shopping.
Send it to your inbox
Keep it handy for the repair counter, a second opinion, or a replacement-cost comparison.
Compare repair vs replace