When to Repair vs. When to Replace (And How to Decide)
It’s one of the most common questions I get, should I fix this, or is it time to move on?
Sometimes the answer is obvious. A cracked screen on an otherwise perfect machine? Probably worth fixing. A decade-old laptop with multiple faults and a puffed battery? Not so much.
But most of the time, the decision falls somewhere in between. Here’s how I usually break it down with clients.
What’s the problem and how big is it?
Start with the fault itself. Is it a simple issue like a clogged fan, slow performance, or a dead battery? Or something deeper, like a failing motherboard or corrupted storage?
The cost and complexity of the repair matters, but so does how likely it is to happen again. Replacing a worn part once might give you another two years of use. Replacing something on a machine that’s already on its last legs might not be the best use of your budget.
How old is the machine?
This one matters more than most people think. Even if your laptop technically works, age brings a few key issues:
Security updates stop coming.
Parts become harder to find.
Performance bottlenecks increase as apps evolve.
If your machine is five to seven years old and starting to feel sluggish or unreliable, you’re often better off putting the repair cost toward something new.
Is it still meeting your needs?
The machine might still run, but if it can’t keep up with what you’re trying to do — video calls, multitasking, light creative work, then fixing it won’t improve the experience much.
A well-serviced machine that’s still underpowered is still going to feel slow.
Are you emotionally attached?
This sounds silly, but it isn’t. Some people have a device they love, or one they just don’t want to give up on yet. If it’s repairable and you’re happy with it otherwise, that’s totally valid. A quick health check can help confirm whether it’s got more life left.
How I usually advise
If the fault is isolated and the machine is otherwise modern, repair often makes sense.
If the machine is already struggling and the repair cost is high, it might be time to look ahead.
If you’re unsure, a proper diagnosis can often make the decision clear without pressure.
Final thoughts
Repairing can save you money and reduce waste. Replacing can give you a fresh start and more performance headroom. Neither is always right or wrong, it depends on the machine, the fault, and how you actually use it.
If you're on the fence, I can run a full check for free and talk you through your options. No sales pitch, just an honest answer based on where you’re at.
