Major Car Repair Decision Checklist
Car Second Opinion

Use this checklist before approving a major car repair, replacing your car, trading it in, or selling it as-is.
This is educational only. It is not mechanical, safety, legal, financial, insurance, or purchasing advice.

1. Questions to ask the mechanic

[ ] What problem did you find?
[ ] How did you confirm the diagnosis?
[ ] Is the repair urgent?
[ ] Is the vehicle safe to drive right now?
[ ] What does this repair fix?
[ ] What does this repair not fix?
[ ] Are there related parts or systems that should be inspected?
[ ] Is the estimate written and itemized?
[ ] What parts are being used: new, used, rebuilt, remanufactured, aftermarket, or OEM?
[ ] What warranty covers parts and labor?
[ ] What could happen if I wait?
[ ] Would you approve this repair if it were your car? Why or why not?

2. Numbers to compare

Repair quote: $__________
Diagnostic fees: $__________
Taxes and shop fees: $__________
Likely additional repairs in the next 12 months: $__________
Transportation while the car is being repaired: $__________

Current estimated vehicle value: $__________
Remaining loan balance: $__________
Estimated trade-in or as-is sale value: $__________

Used replacement purchase price: $__________
New replacement purchase price: $__________
Down payment: $__________
Estimated APR: ________%
Loan term: ________ months
Taxes, title, registration, and dealer fees: $__________
Monthly insurance change: $__________
Monthly fuel change: $__________
Monthly maintenance change: $__________

Comparison period:
[ ] 12 months
[ ] 24 months
[ ] 36 months

3. Warning signs before approving the repair

[ ] The car may not be safe to drive.
[ ] The diagnosis is unclear.
[ ] The estimate is not written or itemized.
[ ] The repair has little or no warranty.
[ ] The shop cannot explain what caused the problem.
[ ] The repair only fixes one part of a larger failure.
[ ] The car has serious rust, flood, structural, brake, steering, airbag, or tire concerns.
[ ] The car has stranded you more than once recently.
[ ] You would need to borrow money for the repair and still might not trust the car.
[ ] The repair cost is close to or higher than the realistic replacement path.

4. When to get a second estimate

[ ] The quote is expensive.
[ ] The diagnosis is unclear.
[ ] The car is safe enough to inspect elsewhere or can be towed.
[ ] The repair involves engine, transmission, hybrid battery, electrical, structural, brake, or steering work.
[ ] The warranty terms are hard to understand.
[ ] The repair quote changed significantly after the first estimate.
[ ] You feel rushed and the car is not an immediate safety risk.

5. When repairing may make sense

[ ] The repair is clearly diagnosed.
[ ] The car is otherwise safe and dependable.
[ ] The repair is likely to buy enough usable time.
[ ] Replacement would create a much higher total cost.
[ ] The car is paid off or has a manageable loan balance.
[ ] The repair warranty is clear.
[ ] You have realistic confidence that no second major repair is close behind.

6. When replacing may make sense

[ ] The car is unsafe or unreliable.
[ ] Several major systems are aging at the same time.
[ ] The repair is one of many expected repairs.
[ ] You need reliable transportation for work, caregiving, school, or medical needs.
[ ] The car has negative equity and repeated repair risk.
[ ] A realistic replacement would reduce downtime and uncertainty.
[ ] Selling or trading in as-is may be better than repairing first.

7. Notes

Mechanic or shop:

____________________________________________________________

Repair estimate notes:

____________________________________________________________

Replacement assumptions:

____________________________________________________________

Decision I am leaning toward:

[ ] Repair
[ ] Replace used
[ ] Replace new
[ ] Sell as-is
[ ] Trade in
[ ] Get another estimate first

Next action:

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